What Is Property? · Chapter
Eighth Proposition explained
Proudhon argues that property is impossible because its power of accumulation is infinite while the quantities it acts upon are finite.
What happens
Proudhon argues that property is impossible because its power of accumulation is infinite while the quantities it acts upon are finite. He illustrates this with a hypothetical loan of 100 francs at compound interest over 600 years, which would exceed the value of the entire globe. He criticizes the Fourierists for ignoring this dynamic and questions the justice and wisdom of legislators who established property without understanding its mathematical consequences, suggesting that all institutions built on property are based on an absurd hypothesis.
Themes in this chapter
Inequality of Wealth
Proudhon demonstrates how property's infinite accumulation leads to extreme wealth concentration, far exceeding finite resources.
Critique of Law and Government
He questions the legislator's justice and wisdom, and dismisses laws and institutions built on the impossibility of property as shams.
Characters to notice
- Pierre Joseph Proudhon
Author and central voice; presents the eighth proposition against property.
- Charles Fourier
Referenced indirectly through the Fourierists, whom Proudhon criticizes as enemies of equality.
Key passages
“Property is impossible, because its power of Accumulation is infinite, and is exercised only over finite quantities.”
Property cannot exist because it can grow without limit, but the world's resources are limited.
Core thesis of the eighth proposition.
“If the legislator did know the law of the possible, and disregarded it, what must be thought of his justice? If he did not know it, what must be thought of his wisdom? Either wicked or foolish, how can we recognize his authority?”
If lawmakers understood the consequences of property and ignored them, they are unjust; if they didn't understand, they are foolish. Either way, they have no legitimate authority.
Proudhon's rhetorical attack on the legitimacy of property-based legislation.