Communism is inequality, but not as property is. Property is exploitation of the weak by the strong. Communism is exploitation of the strong by the weak.
Pierre-Joseph ProudhonRead
All men in their hearts, I say, bear witness to these truths; they need only to be made to understand it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People inherently know certain truths, but they must be helped to recognize and understand them.
In this quote, Proudhon suggests that deep within every individual lies an awareness of fundamental truths. However, this awareness is often obscured by ignorance or misunderstanding, and it is through guidance and enlightenment that individuals can come to fully comprehend these truths, leading to greater insight and wisdom.
Themes
TruthsUnderstandingKnowledgeEnlightenmentWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophical debate on the nature of truth, this quote could be used to emphasize the idea that people may already know the truths being discussed.
More from Pierre-Joseph Proudhon
All quotes βI build no system. I ask an end to privilege, the abolition of slavery, equality of rights, and the reign of law. Justice, nothing else; that is the alpha and omega of my argument: to others I leave the business of governing the world.
Pierre-Joseph ProudhonRead
A common danger tends to concord. Communism is the exploitation of the strong by the weak. In Communism, inequality comes from placing mediocrity on a level with excellence.
Pierre-Joseph ProudhonRead
To name a thing is easy: the difficulty is to discern it before its appearance.
Pierre-Joseph ProudhonRead
As man seeks justice in equality, so society seeks order in anarchy.
Pierre-Joseph ProudhonRead
The possessions of the rich are stolen property.
Pierre-Joseph ProudhonRead
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