ABSTRACT
Given a race of beings having like claims to pursue the objects of their desires-given a world adapted to the gratification of those desires-a world into which such beings are similarly born, and it unavoidably follows that they have equal rights to the use of the world. Equity, therefore, does not permit property in land. For if one portion of the earth’s surface may justly become the possession of an individual, and may be held by him for his sole use and benefit, as a thing to which he has an exclusive right, then other portions of the earth’s surface may be so held; and eventually the whole of the earth’s surface may be so held; and the people planet may thus lapse altogether into private hands. Passing from the consideration of the possible, to that of the actual, the people find yet further reason to deny the rectitude of property in land.
