I set out on this ground which I suppose to be…
“I set out on this ground which I suppose to be self-evident, that the earth belongs in usufruct to the living. . . . We seem not to perceive that, by the law of nature, one generation is to another as one independent nation is to another. . . . The earth belongs always to the living generations.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human generations inherit the planet, which is a shared resource for the living, not a permanent possession of any one generation.
In simple terms: The earth is a shared resource for the living.
Key Takeaway
Treat the planet as a common trust for future generations.
Themes
environment
intergenerational justice
stewardship
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
ethical
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- environmental planning
- education
- family legacy
Key Concepts
usufruct
natural law
commons
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance current needs with future rights?
- What policies reflect this stewardship?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all societies share the same view of natural rights, which may not hold universally.