It is remarkable that jealousy of individual property in land often goes along with very exaggerated doctrines of tribal or national property in land.

The quote by William Graham Sumner, "It is remarkable that jealousy of individual property in land often goes along with very exaggerated doctrines of tribal or national property in land," examines the contradictions in human attitudes toward ownership. Sumner points out the irony that people may fiercely protect their personal land while simultaneously endorsing broad, abstract claims of collective or national ownership. This observation highlights how self-interest and ideological beliefs can coexist in complex and sometimes contradictory ways.

By emphasizing jealousy and the tension between individual and collective property, Sumner critiques the human tendency to rationalize social or political doctrines that justify expansive control over land while still guarding personal stakes. The quote reflects his broader interest in social behavior, property rights, and human nature, illustrating how emotions like envy and possessiveness shape economic and political views.

The origin of the quote comes from William Graham Sumner, an American sociologist, economist, and social theorist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sumner often explored topics such as social evolution, economic behavior, and cultural norms, emphasizing the influence of human instincts and emotions on social structures. His work frequently critiqued idealized political doctrines, favoring practical observations of human behavior.

Ultimately, the quote underscores the complexity and inconsistency in human perspectives on property and ownership. Sumner reminds readers that while people may advocate for grand societal ideals, their attitudes are often grounded in personal interests and emotional responses like jealousy, revealing the interplay between individual motives and collective ideologies.