Mines Quote by Terry Pratchett
“All property is theft, except mine.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Discworld series, various titles, 1990s
Property rights are a social construct, but the speaker claims an exception for personal ownership
In simple terms: Ownership is a social agreement, yet the speaker feels entitled to a special case
Key Takeaway
Question the fairness of personal exemptions in societal rules
Themes
politics
ethics
property
Mood
skeptical
ironic
Type
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- Debating tax policy
- discussing intellectual property rights
Key Concepts
Social contract theory
self‑interest
Questions to Reflect On
- Is any property truly exempt from communal norms?
- What are the consequences of such exceptions?
A Different Perspective
The claim ignores collective responsibility and can justify selfish behavior
