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There is nothing which so generally strikes the imagination, and engages the affections of mankind, as the right of property; or that sole and despotic dominion which one man claims and exercises over the external things of the world, in total exclusion of the right of any other individual in the universe. And yet there are very few, that will give themselves the trouble to consider the original and foundation of this right.

William Blackstone#7

LawPhilosophyEconomicsFoundationOwnershipPropertyRights

About this quote

What does it mean?
Property rights are highly valued yet rarely examined for their original foundation.
In plain terms
People care deeply about owning things but rarely question where that right comes from.
What can you take from it?
Property is central to human interest but often lacks critical examination.

Where it applies

  • economic theory
  • legal study
  • philosophy

Putting it to work

  • study property law
  • analyze ownership rights
  • review economic theory

Questions to consider

  • What is the basis of property rights?
  • Should property be absolute?

Another view

Property rights are often deeply examined in legal and political philosophy.

More from William Blackstone

  1. Time whereof the memory of man runneth not to the contrary.

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  2. That the king can do no wrong, is a necessary and fundamental principle of the English constitution.

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  3. The royal navy of England hath ever been its greatest defense and ornament; it is its ancient and natural strength; the floating bulwark of our island.

    Permalink to quote #5

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