Dart Quote by Thomas Jefferson
““I set out on this ground, which I suppose to be self-evident, that the dart belongs in usufruct to the living.””
About This Quote
Source Treat: Notes on the State of Virginia, 1785
He argues that natural resources belong to the living, not to dead or abstract claims.
In simple terms: Living people should use resources.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect the rights of the living to use resources.
Themes
property
natural rights
utilitarianism
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- environmental policy
- land use planning
- community resource management
Key Concepts
usufruct
commons
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance individual use with communal preservation?
- What defines “living” in modern contexts?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all resources are equally accessible to everyone.
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