--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: For the recognition of private property…" description: "\"“For the recognition of private property has really harmed Individualism, and obscured it, by confusing a man with what he possesses. It has led Indiv..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c5/oscar-wilde-16_private-property_for-the-recognition-of-private-property_294517.jpg" --- # For the recognition of private property has really harmed… ![“For the recognition of private property has really harmed Individualism, and obscured it, by confusing a man with what he possesses. It has led Individualism entirely astray. It has made gain not growth its aim. So that man thought that the important thing was to have, and did not know that the…” quote by Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c5/oscar-wilde-16_private-property_for-the-recognition-of-private-property_294517.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c5/oscar-wilde-16_private-property_for-the-recognition-of-private-property_294517.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c5/oscar-wilde-16_private-property_for-the-recognition-of-private-property_294517.jpg) > ““For the recognition of private property has really harmed Individualism, and obscured it, by confusing a man with what he possesses.  It has led Individualism entirely astray.  It has made gain not growth its aim.  So that man thought that the important thing was to have, and did not know that the important thing is to be.  The true perfection of man lies, not in what man has, but in what man is.”” [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that equating a person’s worth with possessions distorts true individualism, turning focus to acquisition rather than personal development and being. **In simple terms:** Owning stuff hides true self; being matters more. Key Takeaway Prioritize personal growth over material gain. Themes individualism materialism philosophy self‑development Mood reflective critical thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational analytical When to use this quote - career advancement - financial planning - relationship building - creative pursuits - spiritual practice Key Concepts existentialism human nature value theory Questions to Reflect On - What defines your true self beyond possessions? - How can society value being over having? A Different Perspective It may overlook structural inequalities that affect one’s ability to “be” beyond “have.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Harmed Individualism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/harmed-individualism-2286101/) [Individualism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individualism/) [Individualism Entirely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individualism-entirely-1372828/) [Individualism Obscured](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individualism-obscured-2286102/) [Private property](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/private-property/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) ## Related quotes > [ \[T\]he recognition of private property has really harmed Individualism, and obscured it, by confusing a man with what he possesses. It has led Individualism… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/t-he-recognition-of-private-property-has-really-harmed-individualism/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [“For the recognition of private property has really harmed Individualism, and obscured it, by confusing a man with what he possesses.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/for-the-recognition-of-private-property-has-really-harmed-2/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [Much of the discussion about socialism and individualism is entirely pointless, because of failure to agree on terminology.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-roosevelt/much-of-the-discussion-about-socialism-and-individualism-is-entirely/) [Theodore Roosevelt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-roosevelt/) > [“With the abolition of private property, then, we shall have true, beautiful, healthy Individualism. Nobody will waste his life in accumulating things, and the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/with-the-abolition-of-private-property-then-we-shall-have-true/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [Whatever open-border libertarians think about immigration law, once the immigration scofflaw steals, trespasses, or vandalizes private property, said alien is guilty of crimes. To…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilana-mercer/whatever-open-border-libertarians-think-about-immigration-law-once/) [Ilana Mercer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilana-mercer/) > [It is immoral to use private property in order to alleviate the horrible evils that result from the institutions of private property.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/it-is-immoral-to-use-private-property-in-order-to-alleviate-the-2/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [If property had simply pleasures, we could stand it; but its duties make it unbearable. In the interest of the rich we must get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/if-property-had-simply-pleasures-we-could-stand-it-but-its-duties/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [“It is immoral to use private property in order to alleviate the horrible evils that result from the institution of private property. ”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/it-is-immoral-to-use-private-property-in-order-to-alleviate-the/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [Individualism has really the higher aim. Modern morality consists in accepting the standard of one's age.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/individualism-has-really-the-higher-aim-modern-morality-consists-in/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [Progress in thought is the assertion of individualism against authority.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/progress-in-thought-is-the-assertion-of-individualism-against/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [The form of government that is most suitable to the artist is no government at all. ... One might point out how the Renaissance…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/the-form-of-government-that-is-most-suitable-to-the-artist-is-no/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [What is termed Sin is an essential element of progress. Without it the world would stagnate, or grow old, or become colorless. By its…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/what-is-termed-sin-is-an-essential-element-of-progress-without-it-the/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament. Its beauty comes from the fact that the author is what he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/a-work-of-art-is-the-unique-result-of-a-unique-temperament-its-beauty/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [“We are punished for our refusals. Every impulse that we strive to strangle broods in the mind and poisons us. The body sins once,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/we-are-punished-for-our-refusals-every-impulse-that-we-strive-to/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [It must be assumed and established as a principle, that the right of private property must be regarded as sacred. Wherefore, the law ought…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pope-leo-xiii/it-must-be-assumed-and-established-as-a-principle-that-the-right-of/) [Pope Leo XIII](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pope-leo-xiii/) ## More by Oscar Wilde > [How else but through a broken heart may Lord Christ enter in?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/how-else-but-through-a-broken-heart-may-lord-christ-enter-in/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [The books that the world calls immoral are the books that show the world its own shame.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/the-books-that-the-world-calls-immoral-are-the-books-that-show-the/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [Bachelors should be heavily taxed. It is not fair that some men should be happier than others](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/bachelors-should-be-heavily-taxed-it-is-not-fair-that-some-men-should/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [Who, being loved, is poor?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/who-being-loved-is-poor/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [“Basil my dear boy puts everything that is charming in him into his work. The consequence is that he has nothing left for life…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/basil-my-dear-boy-puts-everything-that-is-charming-in-him-into-his/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [Anybody can be good in the country](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/anybody-can-be-good-in-the-country/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [I don't at all like knowing what people say of me behind my back. It makes me far too conceited.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/i-don-t-at-all-like-knowing-what-people-say-of-me-behind-my-back-it/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [“Alles Populäre ist falsch.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/alles-popul-re-ist-falsch/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [“If these elements of beauty are real, the whole thing simply appeals to our sense of dramatic effect. Suddenly we find that we are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/if-these-elements-of-beauty-are-real-the-whole-thing-simply-appeals/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [To love one's self is the beginning of a life-long romance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/to-love-one-s-self-is-the-beginning-of-a-life-long-romance/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [“Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. For these there is hope.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/those-who-find-beautiful-meanings-in-beautiful-things-are-the/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [Men always want to be a womans first love. Women have a more subtle instinct: What they like is to be a mans last…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/men-always-want-to-be-a-womans-first-love-women-have-a-more-subtle/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [Why is it that at a bachelor's establishment the servants invariably drink the champagne.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/why-is-it-that-at-a-bachelor-s-establishment-the-servants-invariably/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [Moderation is a fatal thing. Enough is as bad as a meal. More than enough is as good as a feast.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/moderation-is-a-fatal-thing-enough-is-as-bad-as-a-meal-more-than/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [Beauty is the only thing that time cannot harm. Philosophies fall away like sand, creeds follow one another, but what is beautiful is a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/beauty-is-the-only-thing-that-time-cannot-harm-philosophies-fall-away/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) [Explore all 3,343 Oscar Wilde quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) ## More Individualism quotes > [I have visited sweatshops, factories, and crowded slums. If I could not see it, I could smell it. 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I think it's the flip side of an age of individualism.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vincent-nichols/in-many-ways-the-young-are-more-religiously-minded-than-the-older/) [Vincent Nichols](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vincent-nichols/) > [The individualism of current economic theory is manifest in the purely self-interested behaviour it generally assumes. It has no real place for fairness, malevolence,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herman-e-daly/the-individualism-of-current-economic-theory-is-manifest-in-the/) [Herman E. Daly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herman-e-daly/) > [All greatness of character is dependent on individuality.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-f-cooper/all-greatness-of-character-is-dependent-on-individuality/) [James F. Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-f-cooper/) > [“In addition to the transience of their members, churches themselves face a crisis of hypermobility. 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He…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/natsume-s-seki/daisuke-was-of-course-equipped-with-conversation-that-even-if-they/) [Natsume Sōseki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/natsume-s-seki/) > [“the idea of money primes individualism: a reluctance to be involved with others, to depend on others, or to accept demands from others.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-kahneman/the-idea-of-money-primes-individualism-a-reluctance-to-be-involved/) [Daniel Kahneman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-kahneman/) > [“Today, we exaggerate the differences between left-liberal egalitarianism and libertarian individualism because almost everyone shares their common indefinite attitude. In philosophy, politics, and business,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-thiel/today-we-exaggerate-the-differences-between-left-liberal/) [Peter Thiel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-thiel/) > [The right to swing my fist ends where the other man's nose begins.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oliver-wendell-holmes-jr-2/the-right-to-swing-my-fist-ends-where-the-other-man-s-nose-begins/) [Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oliver-wendell-holmes-jr-2/) > [“Most people are not even aware of their need to conform. 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