T. Paine
I heard a great quotation today:
Separate an individual from society, and give him an island or a continent to possess, and he cannot acquire personal property. He cannot be rich. So inseparably are the means connected with the end, in all cases, that where the former do not exist the latter cannot be obtained. All accumulation, therefore, of personal property, beyond what a man's own hands produce, is derived to him by living in society; and he owes on every principle of justice, of gratitude, and of civilization, a part of that accumulation back again to society from whence the whole came.
-Thomas Paine, Agrarian Justice
This is one of Paine's less famous works, dating from 1796. It's reproduced in full on the United States SSA's website. What is truly ironic is the disclaimer at the top of the page: "This is an archival or historical document and may not reflect current policies or procedures." Haha, no kidding! Luckily Obama is soon to be in office and the superrich will start paying their fare share again.
Separate an individual from society, and give him an island or a continent to possess, and he cannot acquire personal property. He cannot be rich. So inseparably are the means connected with the end, in all cases, that where the former do not exist the latter cannot be obtained. All accumulation, therefore, of personal property, beyond what a man's own hands produce, is derived to him by living in society; and he owes on every principle of justice, of gratitude, and of civilization, a part of that accumulation back again to society from whence the whole came.
-Thomas Paine, Agrarian Justice
This is one of Paine's less famous works, dating from 1796. It's reproduced in full on the United States SSA's website. What is truly ironic is the disclaimer at the top of the page: "This is an archival or historical document and may not reflect current policies or procedures." Haha, no kidding! Luckily Obama is soon to be in office and the superrich will start paying their fare share again.