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The Law, by Bastiat
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"Truth gains more even by the errors of one who, with due study and preparation, thinks for himself, than by the true opinions of those who only hold them because they do not suffer themselves to think."

--- John Stuart Mill, On Liberty


Lesson 62 - Morality and Rights Print E-mail

 

We have stipulated that the individual who owns is the sovereign decision-maker over his property. 

He can do no wrong with what he owns. He may keep it, destroy it, give it away.  It doesn't matter at all, if it is truly his. 

Regardless of what he does with what is truly his, his action is moral by definition, as long as his act does not trespass the property boundary of another.

A corollary concept to that of "rights", is the concept of "privileges". 

We may, in the use of our property, grant "privileges" to other so that they may also use our property.

Such "privileges" do not change the relationship of ownership that the owner has with his or her property.  The owner still owns.  The owner still has full decision-making control over the property

Those to whom we grant "privileges" to use a property of ours have no ultimate right or authority over that property.  We may also decide at any time to withdraw our grant of privilege.

People who have difficulty with abstract ideas or concepts, often cannot understand that there are such things as rights.

 



 
 

Fundamentals of Liberty