The Acquisitive Society · Chapter
Porro Unum Necessarium explained
This chapter outlines the reorganization of society on the basis of function rather than rights, emphasizing that proprietary rights should be maintained only when accompanied by service, that producers should have a direct relationship wit
What happens
This chapter outlines the reorganization of society on the basis of function rather than rights, emphasizing that proprietary rights should be maintained only when accompanied by service, that producers should have a direct relationship with the community, and that professional organizations should govern industry subject to consumer oversight. It argues for an intellectual conversion that prioritizes social purpose over individual gain, using purpose as a principle of limitation, unity, and distribution to establish order and moral values, ultimately subordinating economic activity to the service of society.
Themes in this chapter
Function vs. Rights
The central theme of the chapter: society should be organized on the basis of function, not rights, with proprietary rights maintained only when accompanied by service.
Moral Purpose of Economics
Argues that economic activity must be subordinated to social purpose, and that industry should be seen as a servant, not master, of society.
Industry as a Profession
Proposes that professional organizations should govern industry, with producers having direct responsibility to the community and subject to consumer supervision.
Characters to notice
- Bacon
Quoted for his statement that work should be carried on 'for the glory of God and the relief of men's estate,' used to illustrate the spirit needed for economic organization.
Key passages
“It means, first, that proprietary rights shall be maintained when they are accompanied by the performance of service and abolished when they are not.”
Property rights should only be upheld if the owner provides a service; otherwise, they should be eliminated.
Summarizes the first implication of organizing society on function.
“It is because the purpose of industry, which is the conquest of nature for the service of man, is neither adequately expressed in its organization nor present to the minds of those engaged in it, because it is not regarded as a function but as an opportunity for personal gain or advancement or display, that the economic life of modern societies is in a perpetual state of morbid irritation.”
Modern economic life is perpetually troubled because industry's true purpose—serving humanity by mastering nature—is ignored, and instead it is seen as a chance for personal profit or status.
Explains the root cause of economic malaise according to the chapter.
“It must so organize industry that the instrumental character of economic activity is emphasized by its subordination to the social purpose for which it is carried on.”
Industry must be structured to highlight that economic activity is merely a tool, subordinate to the broader social goals it serves.
Final prescription for reorganizing industry.