The proprietor, producing neither by his own labor nor by his implement, and receiving products in exchange for nothing, is either a parasite or a thief.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Anyone who profits from others' labor without contributing themselves is accused of theft or parasitism.
- In plain terms
- Making money without working on others is stealing.
- What can you take from it?
- Unearned income is ethically suspect.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is all profit theft?
- How do we define labor?
Another view
Ownership can provide capital for others to work.
More from P. J. Proudhon
AXIOM. - Property is the Right of Increase claimed by the Proprietor over any thing which he has stamped as his own.
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