Single Idea 19928

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / C. Rights / 3. Alienating rights]

Full Idea

No one will ever be able to transfer his power and (consequently) his right to another person in such a way that he ceases to be a human being.

Gist of Idea

No one, in giving up their power and right, ceases to be a human being

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (Tractatus Theologico-Politicus [1670], 17.01)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Theological-Political Treatise', ed/tr. Israel,Jonathan [CUP 2007], p.208


A Reaction

Spinoza disdains natural rights, but this is a modest (and pretty uncontroversial) concession.

Related Idea

Idea 19916 The order of nature does not prohibit anything, and allows whatever appetite produces [Spinoza]