What Is Property? by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon

Description

What is Property? is a philosophical work by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, first published in 1840. In this book, Proudhon critically examines the concept of property and its legitimacy in society, and argues that while individuals have a legitimate right to possess and control the products of their own labor, the concept of absolute property, which allows individuals to own and control resources without any regard for labor or societal needs, is unjust and leads to inequality and exploitation. Proudhon famously declares that 'Property is theft', suggesting that the accumulation of property by a few leads to the deprivation of others. He also criticizes the state and legal systems for upholding this unjust system of property. In essence, What is Property? is a foundational text of anarchist thought and a critique of both private property and the existing socio-economic systems of Proudhon's time. It laid the groundwork for his ideas on mutualism and inspired subsequent generations of anarchists and socialists. This translation by Benjamin Tucker was first published in 1876.

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