The Relationship Between Property Rights and Freedom

As much as I support private property rights as a necessary right in modern-day societies, it isn't something that can be justifiably promoted in the name of "liberty". Private property isn't a part of freedom, nor is it necessarily compatible with freedom. Owning property limits who can use it, how people can use it, etc., and puts conditions on its use. By definition, private property is a barrier to freedom, as it restricts the use property to the conditions imposed on it by the legal owners.

This isn't to say that private property can't be a vehicle of *partial* freedom. Sometimes it's necessary to restrict some freedoms (such as the free use of property, via private property) to ensure other freedoms (such as the individual guarantee of freedom to do what they like with their property, and protection against those who would infringe on that freedom).

In an ideal, truly free society, private property would not be necessary, as the people would freely share all their land. resources, ideas, commodities, etc. with each other, and everyone would be more prosperous, free, and innovative as a result. Private property cannot be part of any *truly* free society, as (for reasons I documented above) it is a barrier to the free use by non-owners. Just keep that in mind: Private property is necessary for a conditional freedom that emphasizes the rights of individuals, but is not by any means compatible with unconditional freedom.