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Single Idea 19877

[from 'Second Treatise of Government' by John Locke, in 25. Social Practice / C. Rights / 4. Property rights ]

Full Idea

Though the water running in the fountain be every one's, yet who can doubt but that in the pitcher is his only who drew it out?

Gist of Idea

Fountain water is everyone's, but a drawn pitcher of water has an owner

Source

John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 029)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.131


A Reaction

This would certainly be the normal consensus of a community, as long as there is plenty of water. The strong and fit gatherers get all the best firewood, so I suppose that is just tough on the others.

Related Idea

Idea 19875 A man's labour gives ownership rights - as long as there are fair shares for all [Locke]