Citizens Quote by Hilaire Belloc
“But if we are to retain freedom, then we can only do so by keeping the determining mass of the citizens the possessors of property with personal control over it, as individuals or as families. For property is the necessary condition of economic freedom in the full sense of that term. He that has not property is under economic servitude to him who has property, whether the possessor of it be another individual or the State.”
About This Quote
Economic freedom depends on private property ownership; without it, individuals become servile.
In simple terms: Property = economic freedom.
Key Takeaway
Protect property rights.
Themes
property
freedom
economics
servitude
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- personal finance
Key Concepts
liberalism
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can property be more equitable?
- What alternatives to property exist?
A Different Perspective
Property can be concentrated, limiting freedom for many.
![“For no one, in our long decline,So dusty, spiteful and divided,Had quite such pleasant friends as mine,Or loved them half as much as I did. [stanza 3]The library was most inviting:The books upon the crowded shelvesWere mainly of our private writing:We kept a school and taught ourselves. [stanza…” quote by Hilaire Belloc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/913/hilaire-belloc-2294_book_for-no-one-in-our-long-decline-so-dusty_140002.jpg)
