A power to dispose of estates for ever is manifestly…
“A power to dispose of estates for ever is manifestly absurd. The earth and the fulness of it belongs to every generation, and the preceding one can have no right to bind it up from posterity. Such extension of property is quite unnatural.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Private ownership of land forever is absurd; resources belong to all generations.
In simple terms: Land should not be owned forever.
Key Takeaway
Promote shared stewardship of resources.
Themes
generational equity
property rights
environmental ethics
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- land trusts
- sustainable development
Key Concepts
Common good
intergenerational justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policies balance private rights and common good?
- What incentives encourage shared stewardship?
A Different Perspective
Economic systems resist sharing land.