I'll go find someone else to play with. Property rights provide the means for implementing the right to one's life. You must be free to use your property in any manner you want so long as you do not endanger the life or property of someone else. Property rights help delineate the proper boundary between one person and another. They help us recognize those aspects of the world which are subject to our control and which are under the authority of others.
Property rights help ensure peaceful interactions among individuals.
Without them, only chaos and ceaseless conflict can result. Russell Madden teaches speech communication at Mt. Mercy College and writing at Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He has written for The Freeman , Real Mensch , Full Context , and other fine publications. Copyright 1999 Russell Madden.