more on this theme     |     more from this thinker


Single Idea 23820

[filed under theme 25. Social Practice / C. Rights / 4. Property rights ]

Full Idea

The human soul has need of both personal property and collective property. …The existence of a social class defined by the lack of personal and collective property is as shameful as slavery.

Gist of Idea

People need personal and collective property, and a social class lacking property is shameful

Source

Simone Weil (Draft Statement of Human Obligations [1943], p.229)

Book Ref

Weil,Simone: 'An Anthology' [Penguin 1986], p.229


A Reaction

Nice. Particularly the idea that we all need collective property, such as parks and beaches and public buildings.


The 11 ideas from 'Draft Statement of Human Obligations'

Every human yearns for an unattainable transcendent good [Weil]
We cannot equally respect what is unequal, so equal respect needs a shared ground [Weil]
Attention to a transcendent reality motivates a duty to foster the good of humanity [Weil]
We need both equality (to attend to human needs) and hierarchy (as a scale of responsibilities) [Weil]
Deliberate public lying should be punished [Weil]
We have liberty in the space between nature and accepted authority [Weil]
Crime should be punished, to bring the perpetrator freely back to morality [Weil]
Life needs risks to avoid sickly boredom [Weil]
People need personal and collective property, and a social class lacking property is shameful [Weil]
We all need to partipate in public tasks, and take some initiative [Weil]
Where human needs are satisfied we find happiness, friendship and beauty [Weil]