"It seems the most logical thing in the world to believe that the natural resources of the Earth, upon which the race depends for food, clothing and shelter, should be owned collectively by the race instead of being the private property of a few social parasites"
- Ralph Chaplin
About this Quote
This quote by Ralph Chaplin talks to the concept of collective ownership of natural deposits. He recommends that it is rational for the resources of the Earth, which are vital for human survival, to be owned by the collective race rather than by a few individuals. Chaplin implies that those who own the resources are "social parasites," suggesting they are making the most of the resources without contributing to the cumulative good. He is advocating for a more equitable system of resource ownership, one that is based upon cumulative ownership and shared responsibility. This would guarantee that everybody has access to the resources they need to make it through which no one is making the most of the system. Ultimately, Chaplin's quote talks to the requirement for a more fair system of resource ownership that benefits the collective race instead of a few individuals.
"Not necessity, not desire - no, the love of power is the demon of men. Let them have everything - health, food, a place to live, entertainment - they are and remain unhappy and low-spirited: for the demon waits and waits and will be satisfied"