Convention Quote by Samuel Butler
““For property is robbery, but then, we are all robbers or would-be robbers together, and have found it essential to organise our thieving, as we have found it necessary to organise our lust and revenge. Property, marriage, the law; as the bed to the river, so rule and convention to the instinct; and woe to him who tampers with the banks while the flood is flowing.””
About This Quote
Property and social rules are human constructs that mask our innate desires for possession and control.
In simple terms: Rules hide our greed.
Key Takeaway
Question societal norms.
Themes
property
morality
human nature
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- legal systems
- relationships
- wealth
- conflict
Key Concepts
philosophy
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Are rules always harmful?
- What would a world without property look like?
A Different Perspective
Overlooks benefits of organized property.
