22. An Inheritance Problem

Nature :: Spirit — Kinship in a living world

An ancient story from the Roman Empire about inheritance sheds light on a problem we have inherited today—a system of law that protects property and shores up severe inequality. In the ancient story, a teacher sharply criticizes property and its role in maintaining inequality. Years ago, when I first read Vine Deloria Jr. (Standing Rock Sioux), I found a parallel critique of Western inequity and social hierarchy, and I glimpsed a world where “normal” looks more like equality. What can an ancient story tell us about choosing equality? About writing laws to promote life on Earth more than to protect property?

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