It must be assumed and established as a principle, that…
“It must be assumed and established as a principle, that the right of private property must be regarded as sacred. Wherefore, the law ought to favor this right and, so far as it can, see that the largest possible number among the masses of the population prefer to own property… But if the productive activity of the multitude can be stimulated by the hope of acquiring some property... , it will gradually come to pass that, with the difference between extreme wealth and extreme penury removed, one class will become the neighbor to the other.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Private property should be protected as a sacred right, but when ownership is broadly accessible, economic extremes diminish and social harmony improves.
In simple terms: Respecting property rights while expanding ownership reduces inequality.
Key Takeaway
Broad ownership balances wealth gaps.
Themes
property rights
social equity
economic justice
ethical governance
Mood
hopeful
principled
Type
political doctrine
When to use this quote
- land reform policies
- housing cooperatives
- micro‑enterprise incentives
Key Concepts
distribution of wealth
social cohesion
Practical Applications
- implement progressive land‑ownership programs
- ensure legal protections for smallholders
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure fair access to productive property?
- What risks arise from overly protective property laws?
A Different Perspective
The premise assumes equal access to productive resources, which may not hold in practice.