Belief Quote by Desiderius Erasmus
“You'll see certain Pythagorean whose belief in communism of property goes to such lengths that they pick up anything lying about unguarded, and make off with it without a qualm of conscience as if it had come to them by law.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Praise of Folly, 1511
He criticizes those who justify theft as communal ownership, lacking moral restraint.
In simple terms: People claim communal rights to steal without guilt.
Key Takeaway
Question the morality of “common” ownership.
Themes
ethics
property
morality
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- social movements
- legal debates
Key Concepts
communalism
theft
conscience
Questions to Reflect On
- Is communal ownership ever a valid excuse for theft?
- How does this mindset affect community cohesion?
A Different Perspective
Such justification can erode trust and social order.
