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Appropriation Quote by Peter Vallentyne

“The claimed legitimizing devices of political consent or personal labour served only to obscure the unjustifiable seizure of land from the common by the powerful. Other commoners at the time of those seizures had not consented to them, and even if they had done so, their consent could not bind…” quote by Peter Vallentyne
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““The claimed legitimizing devices of political consent or personal labour served only to obscure the unjustifiable seizure of land from the common by the powerful. Other commoners at the time of those seizures had not consented to them, and even if they had done so, their consent could not bind later generations.””

Peter Vallentyne

About This Quote

Historical land seizures were justified by consent, but such consent cannot bind future generations, exposing injustice.

In simple terms: Consent used to legitimize unjust land grabs.

Key Takeaway

Question the legitimacy of past consent.

Themes

property justice history consent politics

Mood

critical concerned

Type

political ethical historical

When to use this quote

  • legal reforms
  • activism
  • education policy

Key Concepts

land rights ethical critique historical analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can consent ever be truly free?
  • How do we rectify past injustices?
A Different Perspective

Consent may be coerced or uninformed.

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