Philosophy
The Political Theory of Property and the Lockean Proviso
Quick fact
John Locke, writing in the 17th century, argued that you can acquire property by mixing your labor with unowned nature—but only if you leave 'enough and as good' for others. This condition, the Lockean proviso, has been used to justify and to critique private property ever since.
Why this is interesting
You probably think you own the fruits of your labor. But what gives you the right to take something that no one owns in the first place—like land or water?