Men did not make the earth... It is the value of the improvements only, and not the earth itself, that is individual property... Every proprietor owes to the community a ground rent for the land which he holds.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Land value belongs to the community, while individuals own only what they improve on it.
- In plain terms
- You own your buildings but not the land beneath them.
- What can you take from it?
- Tax land value to fund public goods.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who truly owns the earth?
- How should we tax assets?
Another view
Defining land value separately from improvements can be complex.
More from Thomas Paine
Of all the systems of religion that ever were invented, there is none more derogatory to the Almighty, more unedifying to man, more repugnant to reason, and mo…
Permalink to quote #49 You can't conquer an idea with an army.
Permalink to quote #51 The sublime and the ridiculous are often so nearly related, that it is difficult to class them separately. One step above the sublime makes the ridiculous, and…
Permalink to quote #48
Related quotes
Nothing of value is free. It is very easy, Mr. Chairman, to convince people that it is in their best interest to give away somebody else's property for nothing…
Jack ValentiJack Valenti quote #17 Koylu milletin efendisidir
Mustafa Kemal AtaturkMustafa Kemal Ataturk quote #37 Only a fool thinks price and value are the same.
Antonio MachadoAntonio Machado quote #1