“ A rich man lies under a moral obligation to communicate to those in necessity a share of his superfluities. ”
David Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature (1738). copy citation
Author | David Hume |
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Source | A Treatise of Human Nature |
Topic | sharing necessity |
Date | 1738 |
Language | English |
Reference | |
Note | |
Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/4705/4705-h/4705-h.htm |
Context
“What if I be in necessity, and have urgent motives to acquire something to my family? In all these cases, the original motive to justice would fail; and consequently the justice itself, and along with it all property, tight, and obligation.
A rich man lies under a moral obligation to communicate to those in necessity a share of his superfluities. Were private benevolence the original motive to justice, a man would not be obliged to leave others in the possession of more than he is obliged to give them. At least the difference would be very inconsiderable.”
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