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“The Romans believed that what no man controls, no man can own. Justinian, writing in the sixth century AD, said that the air, flowing water, the sea and the seashore were common to all.” quote by Charles Clover
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“The Romans believed that what no man controls, no man can own. Justinian, writing in the sixth century AD, said that the air, flowing water, the sea and the seashore were common to all.”

Charles Clover

About This Quote

Source Article: The Economist, “Common Heritage of the Sea”, 2010

Ancient Roman law viewed natural resources like air and water as shared commons, not owned by individuals.

In simple terms: Nature is a shared resource.

Key Takeaway

Protect common goods.

Themes

law environment commons

Mood

analytical concerned

Type

historical policy‑oriented

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • environmental advocacy
  • education
  • community stewardship

Key Concepts

public domain resource management historical law

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance private rights and shared resources?
  • What policies protect common goods today?
A Different Perspective

Modern property rights conflict with commons thinking.

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