Commerce ought to be common, and not to be converted into a monopoly and the private gain of a few.

Explanation

The right to trade is a common right — its restriction to favored parties for their private enrichment is contrary to the public good and the common law.

Where this applies

• A few powerful companies control the entire market and nobody else can compete.
• The right to trade belongs to everyone, not just a privileged few.
• Monopolies restrict commerce that should be open and common.

See also

• 5.1.3 Property is the proper right by which a man uses his own thing.
• 12.12.3 It is called a monopoly when one person alone buys up the whole of one kind of commodity, fixing a price at his own pleasure.