The beginning of reform is not so much to equalize property as to train the noble sort of natures not to desire more, and to prevent the lower from getting more.
It's clearly better for property to be privately owned, but for its use to be shared; and the main job of the lawgiver is to create this kind and generous attitude in people.
That the equalization of property exercises an influence on political society was clearly understood even by some of the old legislators. Laws were made by Solon and others prohibiting an individual from possessing as much land as he pleased.
The love of property and consciousness of right and wrong have conflicting places in our organization which often makes a mans course seem crooked his conduct a riddle.
