Resentment seems to have been given us by nature for a defense, and for a defense only! It is the safeguard of justice and the security of innocence.
Adam SmithRead
As soon as the land of any country has all become private property, the landlords, like all other men, love to reap where they never sowed, and demand a rent even for its natural produce.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the idea of landlords profiting from property they did not cultivate or develop.
Adam Smith's quote highlights the issue of land ownership and the ensuing economic implications. It suggests that when land becomes privatized, those who own it can exploit it for profit without contributing to its cultivation or improvement, which raises questions about fairness in economic systems and the ethics of wealth generation in relation to labor and natural resources.
Themes
LandownershipPropertyEconomicjusticeRentExploitation
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about economic inequalities, one might reference this quote to illustrate the exploitative nature of land rent.
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The real and effectual discipline which is exercised over a workman is that of his customers. It is the fear of losing their employment which restrains his frauds and corrects his negligence.
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Defense is superior to opulence.
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