Jacques Claude Marie Vincent de Gournay

Jacques Claude Marie Vincent de Gournay, born on 28 May 1712 in Saint-Malo, Province of Brittany, was a prominent French economist and philosopher. He served as an intendant of commerce and is often credited with coining the influential phrase 'laissez faire, laissez passer.' His contributions to economic thought were significant, particularly through his role in the Physiocratic School, where he was a disciple of François Quesnay.

Gournay was the son of Claude Vincent, a merchant and secretary to the king, which likely influenced his early exposure to commerce. Although he did not produce a large body of written work, his impact on French economic theory was profound, primarily through his discussions with key theorists of his time. He played a crucial role in popularizing Richard Cantillon's ideas in France.

In 1751, Gournay was appointed as intendant du commerce, where he became known for his strong opposition to government regulations that he believed hindered commerce. He famously coined the term 'bureaucratie,' reflecting his disdain for excessive governmental control. His views on regulation significantly influenced his disciple, Turgot, and shaped the economic landscape of the period.

Despite some confusion regarding his first name, often mistakenly referred to as 'Jean' due to an error by Turgot, Gournay's legacy endures. A street in his hometown, the Rue Vincent-de-Gournay, commemorates his contributions to economic thought and public policy.