What Is Property? · Chapter
Sixth Proposition explained
Proudhon argues that property is impossible because it inevitably leads to tyranny.
What happens
Proudhon argues that property is impossible because it inevitably leads to tyranny. He contends that under a property regime, political power is proportional to wealth, making electoral equality a violation of property rights. He illustrates this with examples from history and contemporary politics, showing that property is incompatible with political and civil equality.
Themes in this chapter
Inequality of Wealth
Proudhon highlights how property creates vast disparities in political power proportional to wealth.
Critique of Law and Government
The chapter critiques government as an institution that upholds property and thus tyranny.
Equality and Justice
Proudhon argues that property is incompatible with political and civil equality.
Characters to notice
- Pierre Joseph Proudhon
Author and primary voice arguing that property is the mother of tyranny.
- M. Arago
Cited as demanding universal suffrage for National Guards, which Proudhon critiques as inconsistent with property rights.
- Jean Jacques Rousseau
Addressed as 'bonhomme Jacques' in a rhetorical question about property and equality.
Key passages
“Property is impossible, because it is the Mother of Tyranny.”
Property cannot exist because it inherently generates oppressive rule.
Central thesis of the chapter.
“In a country where property exists, equality of electoral rights is a violation of property.”
Where property is recognized, giving everyone an equal vote infringes on property owners' proportional power.
Proudhon's critique of electoral equality under property.
“Property is incompatible with political and civil equality; then property is impossible.”
Since property cannot coexist with equality in politics and civil rights, it is untenable.
Conclusion of the chapter's argument.