The work presents a proposal for addressing social inequality and poverty resulting from the establishment of private property and agrarian laws. It argues that the earth, in its natural state, was common property for all humanity, and that the introduction of private land ownership has dispossessed many individuals of their rightful inheritance. The author contends that this system has led to widespread poverty and social injustice, which must be rectified through a new framework of agrarian justice. The central thesis is that every individual, upon reaching adulthood, should receive a financial compensation as a form of restitution for the loss of their natural inheritance due to the privatization of land. This compensation would be funded through a national system that collects a percentage of property transfers upon death, thereby redistributing wealth and providing a safety net for the poor and dispossessed. The proposed plan includes the establishment of a national fund that would provide a one-time payment to individuals at the age of twenty-one and an annual pension for those over fifty. The author emphasizes that this is not a charitable act but a matter of justice, asserting that society has a responsibility to ensure that no one is born into a condition worse than that of their ancestors in a natural state. The work critiques the existing social order, highlighting the stark contrast between the affluent and the impoverished, and calls for a revolution in both governance and societal structure. It argues that true civilization should ensure that all individuals have the means to thrive, rather than perpetuating cycles of poverty. The author outlines the mechanics of the proposed fund, detailing how it would operate without disrupting current property ownership. The plan aims to create a more equitable society by ensuring that wealth accumulation benefits the entire community rather than a select few. It posits that a just society will ultimately lead to greater stability and prosperity for all. In conclusion, the work advocates for a radical rethinking of property rights and social responsibility, urging a collective movement towards a more just and equitable society that recognizes the inherent rights of all individuals to share in the benefits of civilization.
By Thomas Paine · First published 1797 · Genre: Political Philosophy, Social Critique, Economic Theory · 5 chapters