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
I 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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of justice and equality over personal power or governance.
In this quote, Pierre-Joseph Proudhon articulates a vision that prioritizes justice and equality above all else. He rejects the establishment of a rigid system or governance in favor of basic principles like the abolition of privilege and slavery, suggesting that true justice should be the ultimate goal of society. Proudhon places the focus on moral imperatives rather than political power, thereby advocating for a society where fairness and rights are paramount.
Themes
JusticeEqualityAbolitionRightsPrivilege
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech advocating for social justice reforms.
More from Pierre-Joseph Proudhon
All quotes →All men in their hearts, I say, bear witness to these truths; they need only to be made to understand it.
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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