more on this theme | more from this thinker
Full Idea
There are many ways of becoming rich without contributing anything to the wealth of the community. Ownership of land or capital, whether acquired or inherited, gives a legal right to a permanent income.
Gist of Idea
The right to own land gives a legal right to a permanent income
Source
Bertrand Russell (Political Ideals [1917], 2)
Book Ref
Russell,Bertrand: 'Political Ideals' [Spokesman 2007], p.30
A Reaction
I suspect that in the past land was the main source of this right, but now it is more likely to be capital. Land carries obligations of some sort, so income from capital is more fun.
| 21517 | Individuals need creativity, reverence for others, and self-respect [Russell] |
| 21522 | Democracy is inadequate without a great deal of devolution [Russell] |
| 21523 | We would not want UK affairs to be settled by a world parliament [Russell] |
| 21521 | Anarchy does not maximise liberty [Russell] |
| 21495 | Theoretical and practical politics are both concerned with the best lives for individuals [Russell] |
| 21518 | Men unite in pursuit of material things, and idealise greed as part of group loyalty [Russell] |
| 21519 | We need security and liberty, and then encouragement of creativity [Russell] |
| 21520 | That our heaven is a dull place reflects the misery of excessive work in life [Russell] |
| 21524 | The right to own land gives a legal right to a permanent income [Russell] |
| 21525 | When the state is the only employer, there is no refuge from the prejudices of other people [Russell] |
| 21528 | Groups should be autonomous, with a neutral authority as arbitrator [Russell] |
| 21526 | Unfortunately ordinary voters can't detect insincerity [Russell] |
| 21527 | On every new question the majority is always wrong at first [Russell] |