Commons Quote by Guy Standing
“What distinguishes a commons is that it is not private property, does not have a price, and is oriented towards 'use value' rather than 'exchange value.' It does not exist to generate profits.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Precariat: The New Dangerous Class, Guy Standing, 2011
A commons is a shared resource not owned privately, lacking a price, and valued for its use rather than profit.
In simple terms: Commons are shared, non‑priced, use‑focused resources.
Key Takeaway
Support shared, non‑profit resources.
Themes
cooperation
shared resources
economics
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
theoretical
policy
educational
When to use this quote
- community gardens
- open‑source software
- public parks
- co‑working spaces
- shared labs
Key Concepts
commons theory
use value
collective ownership
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we protect commons from depletion?
- What rules ensure fair use?
A Different Perspective
May be vulnerable to overuse without clear governance.
