And the desire to own property, to take for ourselves…
“And the desire to own property, to take for ourselves things which in no way belong to us, does not stop short at the sun. The air is already bought and sold as a commodity, by health resorts. And what of water? Or waterpower? Why should the earth be parceled out into private hands? Is it any different from the sun? No; the earth belongs to the people who live on it. God intended it for them, but it has been taken over by private individuals. Privare means to steal. Thus private property is stolen property - property stolen from God and from humankind!”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote argues that natural resources and the earth are common heritage, and that private ownership amounts to theft from humanity and God.
In simple terms: Nature belongs to all; private ownership is theft.
Key Takeaway
Recognize shared stewardship of resources.
Themes
ethics
environment
property
justice
theology
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- environmental activism
- community planning
- education
- legal reform
Key Concepts
commons
stewardship
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance individual rights with communal stewardship?
- What systems protect both innovation and shared resources?
A Different Perspective
Private property can incentivize innovation and economic growth, which the quote overlooks.