Land, n. A part of the earth's surface, considered as property. The theory that land is property subject to private ownership and control is the foundation of modern society, and is eminently worthy of the superstructure. Carried to its logical conclusion, it means that some have the right to prevent others from living; for the right to own implies the right exclusively to occupy; and in fact laws of trespass are enacted wherever property in land is recognized. It follows that if the whole area of terra firma is owned by A, B and C, there will be no place for D, E, F and G to be born, or, born as trespassers, to exist.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Private land ownership excludes people from existence. Bierce argues it creates trespassers and inequality.
- In plain terms
- If land is owned privately, some people cannot exist.
- What can you take from it?
- Private property limits freedom to live.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is private land ownership fair?
- Who has the right to exist?
Another view
It presents a radical view ignoring social infrastructure needs.
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