What is Property? An Inquiry into the Principle of Right and of Government

First published in 1840, What is Property? is the seminal work of Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, a French philosopher, economist, and social theorist often hailed as the father of modern anarchism. In this bold and provocative treatise, Proudhon introduces the famous declaration that “Property is theft!”—a rallying cry that shook the foundations of 19th-century political and economic thought. Far from a simplistic rejection of all forms of ownership, this inquiry delves deeply into the legal, philosophical, and moral basis of property rights. Proudhon begins by scrutinizing the prevailing justifications for property—natural law, labor, and occupancy—and systematically dismantles them, arguing that they lead to contradiction and social injustice. According to Proudhon, property in the form of accumulated wealth and capital is inherently exploitative and leads to inequality, tyranny, and class division, while possession, rooted in use and mutual cooperation, can serve as a more just and equitable alternative. Structured in two parts or memoirs, the book combines rigorous philosophical reasoning, sharp polemics, and early economic analysis. Proudhon proposes a revolutionary method rooted in justice and reciprocity—an ethical framework that challenges not only capitalism and private property but also the authority of the state itself. He lays the groundwork for libertarian socialism, mutualism, and anti-authoritarian thought, which would go on to influence thinkers like Karl Marx, Bakunin, Tolstoy, and later anarchists. This classic remains a critical text for students of political philosophy, economic justice, and revolutionary theory, offering profound insights into debates that are still alive today—around ownership, wealth disparity, labor, and the role of government.