“There cannot be a stronger natural right than that of a man’s making the best profit he can of the natural produce of his lands.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“There cannot be a stronger natural right than that of a man’s making the best profit he can of the natural produce of his lands.”
Explanation
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin defends the principle of economic liberty tied to land ownership, declaring it one of the most fundamental natural rights. The phrase “stronger natural right” suggests that the ability to benefit from one’s own labor and land is among the most basic entitlements a person can have. Franklin asserts that individuals should be free to use their land’s resources to earn a living and seek prosperity, without unjust interference.
This perspective is deeply rooted in the Enlightenment view of property rights, influenced by thinkers like John Locke, who argued that life, liberty, and property were natural rights derived from reason and human dignity. Franklin, a landowner and self-made man himself, believed that economic independence and personal freedom were interlinked, and that the right to profit from one’s land was essential to both individual autonomy and national prosperity.
In today’s context, this quote continues to resonate in discussions about property rights, economic freedom, and the role of government in regulation. Whether in debates over taxation, land use, or environmental policy, Franklin’s words remind us that productive use of one’s property is not merely an economic act—it is a deeply rooted expression of personal liberty, deserving protection and respect.
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