"For the recognition of private property has really harmed Individualism, and obscured it, by confusing a man with what he possesses. It has led Individualism entirely astray. It has made gain not growth its aim. So that man thought that the important thing was to have, and did not know that the important thing is to be. The true perfection of man lies, not in what man has, but in what man is. Private property has crushed true Individualism, and set up an Individualism that is false. It has debarred one part of the community from being individual by starving them. It has debarred the other part of the community from being individual by putting them on the wrong road and encumbering them."
React to this quote
More by Oscar Wilde
See allResonant Thoughts
"The mark of Platonic philosophy is a radical dualism. The Platonic world is not one of unity; and the abyss which in many ways results from this bifurcation appears in innumerable forms. It is not one…"
Explore Further
Related Quotes
"The benevolence of the Gospel lies in actions"
— Thomas Chalmers"Why did the generals who have been so ready to term me a complaisant and incompetent yes-man fail to secure…"
— Wilhelm Keitel"Nowhere probably is there more true feeling, and nowhere worse taste, than in a churchyard ."
— Benjamin Jowett"Watch your step. Keep your wits about you; you will need them. This city I am bringing you to is vast and i…"
— Michel Faber"Reality is a crutch for people who can't cope with drugs."
— Jane Wagner"He was marvellous at rehearsals. There was the true theatrical instinct. You only had to indicate - scarcel…"
— Richard Burton
