"April 26 marks the 1711 birth of David Hume, good friend of Adam Smith and “The most important philosopher ever to write in English,” according to The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Three centuries later, his recognition of the need to protect property rights for a well-functioning society is crucial because violations are increasingly displacing protection.
Crony capitalism, with its widespread sacrifice of others’ property rights to benefit government favorites, has spread everywhere. Fourth Amendment violations and civil asset forfeiture demonstrate the same erosion. Eminent domain abuses and development exactions are far from uncommon. And the list goes on.
Hume saw why stable, secure property rights are crucial to social cooperation because otherwise, people are “exposed to the violence of others.” Government defense of property rights allows more effective social cooperation by expanding the sphere of voluntary arrangements. That is why Hume recognized that “[under] a government of laws, not of men…property is there secure.” However, every expansion of government reduces individuals’ rights over their own property, undermining the most essential tool for prosperity and peace."
https://fee.org/articles/10-quotes-by-the-great-david-hume-on-liberty-and-property/
Crony capitalism, with its widespread sacrifice of others’ property rights to benefit government favorites, has spread everywhere. Fourth Amendment violations and civil asset forfeiture demonstrate the same erosion. Eminent domain abuses and development exactions are far from uncommon. And the list goes on.
Hume saw why stable, secure property rights are crucial to social cooperation because otherwise, people are “exposed to the violence of others.” Government defense of property rights allows more effective social cooperation by expanding the sphere of voluntary arrangements. That is why Hume recognized that “[under] a government of laws, not of men…property is there secure.” However, every expansion of government reduces individuals’ rights over their own property, undermining the most essential tool for prosperity and peace."
https://fee.org/articles/10-quotes-by-the-great-david-hume-on-liberty-and-property/