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 Reference
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.