“It is clearly better that property should be private, but the use of it common; and the special business of the legislator is to create in men this benevolent disposition.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
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Quote
“It is clearly better that property should be private, but the use of it common; and the special business of the legislator is to create in men this benevolent disposition.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle advocates for a balance between private ownership and common use of property. He argues that while it is preferable for individuals to own property privately, its use should be shared for the common good. The idea is that private ownership ensures personal responsibility and incentivizes individuals to manage their resources wisely. However, by making the use of property common, society can ensure that resources are used for the benefit of all, not just a few. This arrangement would require a benevolent attitude towards others, where individuals view the sharing of resources as a moral duty rather than a sacrifice.
This concept has strong implications in the context of modern political and economic systems. For instance, it reflects the principle of shared public goods or the idea that while individuals may own assets, certain resources like clean air, public parks, and education should be available to all. Aristotle’s vision calls for the government or legislator to foster a culture of generosity and community-mindedness, encouraging people to act in ways that benefit not only their personal interests but also the collective well-being of society.
In practical terms, we can observe this balance in modern welfare systems or social safety nets, where personal property remains private but access to essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure is available to everyone. For example, public libraries, which are funded by taxes but accessible to all, embody Aristotle’s ideal of the common use of property. This model encourages civic responsibility and a sense of shared destiny, ensuring that the benefits of society’s resources are distributed in a way that enhances the collective good while respecting individual ownership.
