What Is Property? · Chapter
P. J. Proudhon explained
This chapter provides a biographical and intellectual overview of Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, tracing his development from early influences like Adam Smith through his major works including 'What is Property?', 'System of Economical Contradicti
What happens
This chapter provides a biographical and intellectual overview of Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, tracing his development from early influences like Adam Smith through his major works including 'What is Property?', 'System of Economical Contradictions', and 'War and Peace'. It details his legal troubles, his engagement with Hegelian ideas via Charles Grün, his theories on antinomy, federalism, and equilibrium, and his later political writings on Italian unity and taxation. The chapter concludes with his death in 1865 and the posthumous publication of his works.
Themes in this chapter
Equality and Justice
Proudhon's principle of equality is central to his critique of property and his economic theories, as seen in his early memoirs and the influence of Adam Smith.
Labor and Exploitation
The chapter discusses Proudhon's view that labor leads to equality, not property, and his analysis of economic categories like competition and monopoly.
Critique of Law and Government
Proudhon's legal troubles, his critique of civil law as a foundation of property, and his advocacy for federalism as a check on state power are highlighted.
Revolution and Reform
Proudhon's call for peaceful equilibrium and federative principles, as opposed to revolutionary upheaval, is a key theme in his later works.
Characters to notice
- Pierre Joseph Proudhon
Central figure of the chapter; his life, works, and intellectual evolution are chronicled from his early memoirs to his death.
- Adam Smith
Influenced Proudhon's early economic thought, particularly regarding the principle of equality in wages.
- M. Blanqui
Mentioned as viewing Proudhon as a philosopher and savant during his acquittal.
- Gauthier
Messrs. Gauthier Bros., childhood companions, employed Proudhon in their water transport business.
- Charles Fourier
Referenced indirectly via 'La Phalange', the Fourierist journal Proudhon edited.
- M. Louis Blanc
Mentioned in the context of Proudhon's political and intellectual milieu.
- M. Victor Considérant
Fourierist associate, mentioned in relation to Proudhon's early career.
- Jacob
Biblical figure referenced in Proudhon's discussion of property and labor.
Key passages
“Did not Adam Smith find, in the principle of equality, the first of all the laws which govern wages?”
Adam Smith identified equality as the foundational principle governing wages.
Highlights Proudhon's debt to Smith and the centrality of equality in his economic thought.
“Thus, in humanity, there are two principles—one which leads us to equality, another which separates us from it.”
Humanity is governed by two opposing principles: one toward equality, the other away from it.
Introduces Proudhon's concept of antinomy, a key idea in his later work.
“The jury, like M. Blanqui, viewed him only as a philosopher, an inquirer, a savant.”
The jury and M. Blanqui regarded Proudhon as a philosopher and scholar, not a criminal.
Reflects the perception of Proudhon as an intellectual rather than a revolutionary.
“All is opposition, and disorder is born of this system of opposition.”
Every economic category contains internal contradictions, leading to disorder.
Summarizes Proudhon's Hegelian-inspired theory of antinomy.
“Humanity wants no more war.”
Humanity desires an end to war.
Proudhon's concluding line in 'War and Peace', expressing his anti-imperial stance.
