of
Pope John XXIII
on
Christianity and Social Progress
May 15, 1961
PART II
EXPLANATION AND DEVELOPMENT
OF THE TEACHINGS OF "RERUM NOVARUM"
EXPLANATION AND DEVELOPMENT
OF THE TEACHINGS OF "RERUM NOVARUM"
Private Initiative and State Intervention
in Economic Life
51. At the outset it should be affirmed
that in economic affairs first place is to be given to the private initiative
of individual men who, either working by themselves, or with others in
one fashion or another, pursue their common interests.
52. But in this matter, for reasons
pointed out by our predecessors, it is necessary that public authorities
take active interest, the better to increase output of goods and to further
social progress for the benefit of all citizens.
53. This intervention of public authorities
that encourages, stimulates, regulates, supplements, and complements, is
based on the principle of subsidiarity (Acta
Apostolice Sedis, XXIII [1931], P. 203.) as set forth
by Pius XI in his Encyclical Quadragesimo Anno: "It is a
fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that
one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what
they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too,
it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a distrubance
of right order, to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions
which can be performed and provided for by lesser and subordinate bodies.
Inasmuch as every social activity should, by its very nature, prove a help
to members of the body social, it should never destroy or absorb them."
(Ibid., p. 203.)
54. Indeed, as is easily perceived,
recent developments of science and technology provide additional reasons
why, to a greater extent than heretofore, it is within the power of public
authorities to reduce imbalances, whether these be betweeen various sectors
of economic life, or between different regions of the same nation, or even
between different peoples of the world as a whole. These same developments
make is possible to keep fluctuations in the economy within bounds, and
to provide effective measures for avoiding mass unemployment. Consequently,
it is requested again and again of public authorities responsible for the
common good, that they intervene in a wide variety of economic affairs,
and that, in a more extensive and organized way than heretofore, they adapt
institutions, tasks, means, and procedures to this end.
55. Nevertheless, it remains true that
precautionary activities of public authorities in the economic field, although
widespread and penetrating, should be such that they not only avoid restricting
the freedom of private citizens, but also increase it, so long as the basic
rights of each individual person are preserved inviolate. Included
among these is the right and duty of each individual normally to provide
the necessities of life for himself and his dependents. This
implies that whatever be the economic system, it allow and facilitate for
every individual the opportunity to engage in productive activity.
56. Furthermore, the course of
events thus far makes it clear that there cannot be a prosperous and well-ordered
society unless both private citizens and public authorities work together
in economic affairs. Their activity should be characterized by
mutual and amicable efforts, so that the roles assigned to each fit
in with requirements of the common good, as changing times and customs
suggest.
57. Experience, in fact,
shows that where private initiative of individuals is lacking, political
tyranny prevails. Moreover, much stagnation occurs in various
sectors of the economy, and hence all sorts of consumer goods and services,
closely connected with needs of the body and more especiallyy of the spirit,
are in short supply. Beyond doubt, the attainment of such goods and
services provides remarkable opportunity and stimulus for individuals to
exercise initiative and industry.
58. Where, on the other hand, appropriate
activity of the State is lacking or defective, commonwealths are apt to
experience incurable disorders, and there occurs exploitation of the
weak by the unscrupulous strong, who flourish, unfortunately, like cockle
among the wheat, in all times and places.
Complexity of Social Structure
Direction of the trend
59. One of the principal characteristics
of our time is the multiplication of social relationships, that is, a daily
more complex interdependence of citizens, introducing into their lives
and activities many and varied forms of association, recognized for the
most part in private and even in public law. This tnedency seemingly
stems from a number of factors operative in the present era, among which
are technical and scientific progress, greater productive efficiency, and
a higher standard of living among citizens.
60. These developments in social living
are at once both a symptom and a cause of the growing intervention of public
authorities in matters which, since they pertain to the more intimate aspects
of personal life, are of serious moment and not without danger. Such,
for example, are the care of health, the instruction and education of youth,
the choice of a personal career, the ways and means of rehabilitating or
assisting those handicapped mentally or physically. But this trend
also indicates and in part follows from that human and natural inclination,
scarecely resistible, whereby men are impelled voluntarily to enter into
association in order to attain objectives which each one desires, but which
exceed the capacity of single individuals. This tendency has given
rise, especially in recent years, to organizations and institutes on both
national and international levels, which relate to economic and social
goals, to cultural and recreational activities, to athletics, to various
professions, and to political affairs.
Evaluation
61. Such an advance in social relationships
definitely brings numerous services and advantages. It makes possible,
in fact, the satisfaction of many personal rights, especially those of
economic and social life; these relate, for example, to the minimum necessities
of human life, to health services, to the broadening and deepening of elementary
education, to a more fitting training in skills, to housing, to suitable
leisure and recreation. In addition, through the ever more perfect
organization of modern means for the diffusion of thought--press, cinema,
radio, television--individuals are enabled to take part in human events
on a world-wide scale.
62. But as these various forms of association
are multiplied and daily extended, it also happens that in many areas of
activity, rules and laws controlling and determining relationships of citizens
are multiplied. As a consequence, opportunity for free action by
individuals is restricted within narrower limits. Methods are often
used, procedures are adopted, and such an atmosphere develops wherein it
becomes difficult for one to make decisions independently of outside influences,
to do anything on his own initiative, to carry out in a fitting way his
rights and duties, and to fully develop and perfect his personality.
Will men perhaps, then become automatons, and cease to be personally responsible,
as these social relationships multiply more and more? It is a question
which must be answered negatively.
63. Actually, increased complexity of
social life by no means results from a blind drive of natural forces.
Indeed, as stated above, it is the creation of free men who are so disposed
to act by nature as to be responsible for what they do. They must,
of course, recognize the laws of human progress and the development of
economic life and take these into account. Furthermore, men are not
altogether free of their milieu.
64. Accordingly, advances in social
organization can and should be so brought about that maximum advantages
accrue to citizens while at the same time disadvantages are averted or
at least minimized.
65. That these desired objectives
be more readily obtained, it is necessary that public authorities have
a correct understanding of the common good. This embraces
the sum total of those conditions of social living, whereby men are enabled
more fully and more readily to achieve their own perfection. Hence,
we regard it as necessary that the various intermediary bodies and the
numerous social undertakings wherein an expanded social structure primarily
finds expression, be ruled by their own laws, and as the common good itself
progresses, pursue this objective in a spirit of sincere concord among
themselves. Nor is it less necessary that the above mentioned groups
present the form and substance of a true community. This they
will do, only if individual members are considered and treated as persons,
and are encouraged to participate in the affairs of the group.
66. Accordingly, as relationships multiply
between men, binding them more closely together, commonwealths will more
readily and appropriately order their affairs to the extent these two factors
are kept in balance: (1) the freedom of individual citizens and groups
of citizens to act autonomously, while cooperating one with the other;
(2) the activity of the State whereby the undertakings of private individuals
and groups are suitably regulated and fostered.
67. Now if social systems are organized
in accordance with the above norms and moral laws, their extension does
not necessarily mean that individual citizens will be gravely discriminated
against or excessively burdened. Rather, we can hope that this will
enable man not only to develop and perfect his natural talents, but also
will lead to an appropriate structuring of the human community. Such
a structure, as our predecessor of happy memory, Pius XI, warned in
his Encyclical Letter Quadragesimo Anno, (Cf.Ibid.,
p.
222f.) is absolutely necessary for the adequate fulfillment
of the rights and duties of social life.
Remuneration for Work
Standards of Justice and Equity
68. Our heart is filled with profound
sadness when we observe, as it were, with our own eyes a wretched spectacle
indeed--great masses of workers who, in not a few nations, and even in
whole continents, receive too small a return from their labor. Hence,
they and their families must live in conditions completely out of accord
with human dignity. This can be traced, for example, to the fact
that in these regions, modern industrial techniques either have only recently
been introduced or have made less than satisfactory progress.
69. It happens in some of these nations
that, as compared with the extreme need of the majority, the wealth and
conspicuous consumption of a few stand out, and are in open and bold contrast
with the lot of the needy. It happens in other places that excessive
burdens are placed upon men in order that the commonwealth may achieve
within a brief span, an increase of wealth such as can by no means be achieved
without violating the laws of justice and equity. Finally, it happens
elsewhere that a disproportionate share of the revenue goes toward the
building up of national prestige, and that large sums of money are devoted
to armaments.
70. Moreover, in the economically developed
countries, it frequently happens that great, or sometimes very great, remuneration
is had for the performance of some task of lesser importance or doubtful
utility. Meanwhile, the diligent and profitable work that whole classes
of decent and hard-working citizens perform, receives too low a payment
and one insufficient for the necessities of life, or else, one that does
not correspond to the contribution made to the community, or to the revenues
of the undertakings in which they are engaged, or to the national income.
71. Wherefore, we judge it to be our
duty to reaffirm once again that just as remuneration for work cannot be
left entirely to unregulated competition, neither may it be decided arbitratily
at the will of the more powerful. Rather, in this matter, the norms
of justice and equity should be strictly observed. This requires
that workers receive a wage sufficient to lead a life worthy of man and
to fulfill family responsibilities properly. But in determining what
constitutes an appropriate wage, the following must necessarily be taken
into account: first of all, the contribution of individuals to the economic
effort; the economic state of the enterprises within which they work; the
requirements of each community, especially as regards over-all employment;
finally, what concerns the common good of all peoples, namely, of the various
States associated among themselves, but differing in character and extent.
72. It is clear that the standards of
judgment set forth above are binding always and everywhere. However,
the measure in which they are to be applied in concrete cases cannot be
established unless account is taken of the resources at hand. These
resources can and in fact do vary in quantity and quality among different
peoples, and may even change within the same country with the passing of
time.
Balancing Economic Development and Social Progress
73. Whereas in our era the economies
of various countries are developing very rapidly, more especially since
the last great war, we take this opportunity to draw the attention of all
to a strict demand of social justice, which explicitly requires that, with
the growth of the economy, there occur a corresponding social development.
Thus, all classes of citizens will benefit equitably from an increase in
national wealth. Toward this end vigilance should be exercised and
effective steps taken that class differences arising from disparity of
wealth not be increased, but lessened so far as possible.
74. "National wealth"--as our predecessor
of happy memory, Pius XII, rightfully observed--"inasmuch as it is produced
by the common efforts of the citizenry, has no other purpose than to secure
without interruption those material conditions in which individuals are
enabled to lead a full and perfect life. Where this is consistently
the case, then such a people is to be judged truly rich. For the
system whereby both the common prosperity is achieved and individuals exercise
their right to use material goods, conforms fully to norms laid down by
God the Creator." (Cf. Acta Apostolicae Sedis, XXXIII
[1941], p. 200.) From this it follows that the economic prosperity
of any people is to be assessed not so much from the sum total of goods
and wealth possessed as from the distribution of goods according to norms
of justice, so that everyone in the community is by nature ordered.
75. We must here call attention to the
fact that in many countries today, the economic system is such that large
and medium size productive enterprises achieve rapid growth precisely because
they finance replacement and plant expansion from their own revenues.
Where this is the case, we believe that such companies should grant to
workers some share in the enterprise, especially where they are paid no
more than the minimum wage.
76. In this matter, the principle laid
down by our predecessor of happy memory, Pius XI, in the Encyclical Letter
Quadragesimo
Anno, should be borne in mind: "It is totally false to ascribe
to a single factor of production what is in fact produced by joint activity;
and it is completely unjust for one factor to arrogate to itself what is
produced, ignoring what has been contributed by other factors." (Acta
Apostolicae Sedis, XXIII [1931], p. 195.)
77. The demands of justice referred
to, can be met in various ways, as experience shows. Not to mention
other ways, it is very desirable that workers gradually acquire some share
in the enterprise by such methods as seem more appropriate. For today,
more than in the times of our predecessor, "every effort should be made
that at least in the future, only an equitable share of the fruits of production
accumulate in the hands of the wealthy, and a sufficient and ample portion
go to the workingmen." (Ibid., p. 198.)
78. But we should remember that adjustments
between renumeration for work and revenues are to be brought about in conformity
with the requirements of the common good, both of one's own community and
of the entire human family.
79. Considering the common good on the
national level, the following points are relevant and should not be overlooked:
to provide employment for as many workers as possible; to take care lest
privileged groups arise even among the workers themselves; to maintain
a balance between wages and prices; to make accessible the goods and services
for a better life to as many persons as possible; either to eliminate or
to keep within bounds the inequalities that exist between different sectors
of the economy--that is, between agriculture, industry and services; to
balance properly any increases in output with advances in services provided
to citizens, especially by public authority; to adjust, as far as possible,
the means of production to the progress of science and technology; finally,
to ensure that the advantages of a more humane way of existence not merely
subserve the present generation but have regard for future generations
as well.
80. As regards the common good of human
society as a whole, the following conditions should be fulfilled: that
the competitive striving of peoples to increase output be free of bad faith;
that harmony in economic affairs and a friendly and beneficial cooperation
be fostered; and, finally, that effective aid be given in developing the
economically underdeveloped nations.
81. It is evident from what has been
said that these demands of the common good, on both the national and world
levels, should be borne in mind, when there is question of determining
the share of earnings assigned to those responsible for directing the productive
enterprise, or as interest and dividends to those who have invested capital.
Demands of Justice as Regards
Productive Institutions
Institutions Conforming to the Diginity of Man
82. Justice is to be observed not merely in
the distribution of wealth, but also in regard to the conditions under
which men engage in productive activity. There is, in fact, an innate
need of human nature requiring that men engaged in productive activity
have an opportunity to assume responsibility and to perfect themselves
by their efforts.
83. Consequently, if the organization
and structure of economic life be such that the human dignity of workers
is compromised, or their sense of responsibility is weakened, or their
freedom of action is removed, then we judge such an economic order to be
unjust, even though it produces a vast amount of goods, whose distribution
conforms to the norms of justice and equity.
Reaffirmation of a Directive
84. Nor is it possible in economic affairs
to determine in one formula all the measures that are more conformable
to the dignity of man, or are more suitable in developing in him a sense
of responsibility. Nevertheless, our predecessor of happy memory,
Pius XII, appropriately laid down certain norms of action: "Small and medium-sized
holdings in agriculture, in the arts and crafts, in commerce and industry,
should be safeguarded and fostered. Such enterprises should join
together in mutual-aid societies in order that the services and benefits
of large-scale enterprises will be available to them. So far as these
larger enterprises are concerned, work agreements should in some way be
modified by partnership arrangements." (Fadio Bfoadcast,
September 1, 1944; cf. A,A,S., XXXVI [1944], p. 254.)
Artisan Enterprises and Cooperative Associations
85. Wherefore, conformably to requirements
of the common good and the state of technology, artisan and farm enterprises
of family type should be safegurded and fostered, as should also cooperatives
that aim to complement and perfect such enterprises.
86. We shall return shortly to the subject
of farm enterprises. Here, we think it appropriate to say something
about artisan enterprises and cooperative associations.
87. Above all, it must be emphasized
that enterprises and bodies of this sort, in order that they may survive
and flourish, should be continuously adapted--both in their productive
structure and in their operating methods--to new conditions of the
times. These new conditions constantly arise from advances in science
and technology, or from changing consumer needs and preferences.
It is especially appropriate that all this be done by the craftsmen themselves
and by the associates in the cooperatives.
88. Hence, it is most fitting not only
that both these groups be suitably formed in technical and in spiritual
and intellectual matters, but also that they be joined together professionally.
Nor is it less fitting that the State make special provision for
them in regard to instruction, taxes, credit facilities, social security
and insurance.
89. Moreover, the measures taken by
the State on behalf of the craftsmen and members of cooperatives are also
justified by the fact that these two categories of citizens are producers
of genuine wealth, and contribute to the advance of civilization.
90. Accordingly, we paternally exhort
our beloved sons, craftsmen and members of cooperatives throughout the
world, that they fully realize the dignity of their role in society, since,
by their work, the sense of responsibility and spirit of mutual aid can
be daily more intensified among the citizenry, and the desire to work with
dedication and originality be kept alive.
Participation of Workers in
Medium-size and Large Enterprises
91. Furthermore, as did our predecessors,
we regard as justifiable the desire of employees to be partners in enterprises
with which they are associated and wherein they work. We do not think
it possible, however, to decide with certain and explicit norms the manner
and degree of such partnership, since this must be determined according
to the state of the individual productive enterprises. For the situation
is not everywhere the same, and, in fact, it can change suddenly within
one and the same enterprise. Nevertheless, we do not doubt that employees
should have an active part in the affairs of the enterprise wherein they
work, whether these be private or public. But it is of the utmost
importance that productive enterprises assume the character of a true human
fellowship whose spirit suffuses the dealings, activities, and standing
of all its members.
92. This requires that mutual relations
between employers and directors on the one hand and the employees of the
enterprise on the other, be marked by mutual respect, esteem, and good
will. It also demands that all collaborate sincerely and harmoniously
in their joint undertaking, and that they perform their work not merely
with the objective of deriving an income, but also of carrying out the
role assigned them and of performing a service that results in benefit
to others. This means that the workers may have a say in, and may
make a contribution toward, the efficient running and development of the
enterprise. Thus, our predecessor of happy memory, Pius XII, clearly
indicated: "The economic and social functions which everyone aspires to
fulfill, require that efforts of individuals be not wholly subjected to
the will of others." (Allocution, October 8, 1956; cf. A.A.S.,
XLVIII
[1956], p. 799-800.) Beyond doubt, an enterprise truly in
accord with human dignity should safeguard the necessary and efficient
unity of administration. But it by no means follows that those who
work daily in such an enterprise are to be considered merely as servants,
whose sole function is to execute orders silently, and who are not allowed
to interject their desires and interests, but must conduct themselves as
idle stand-bys when it comes to assignment and direction of their tasks.
93. Finally, attention is drawn to the
fact that the greater amount of responsibility desired today by workers
in productive enterprises, not merely accords with the nature of man, but
also is in conformity with historical developments in the economic, social,
and political fields.
94. Unfortunately, in our day, there
occur in economic and social affairs many imbalances that militate against
justice and humanity. Meanwhile, throughout all of economic life,
errors are spread that seriously impair its operation, purposes, organization,
and the fulfillment of responsibilities. Nevertheless, it is an undeniable
fact that the more recent productive systems, thanks to the impulse deriving
from advances in technology and science, are becoming more modern and efficient,
and are expanding at a faster rate than in the past. This demands
of workers greater abilities and professional qualifications. Accordingly,
workers should be provided with additional aids and time to achieve a suitable
and more rounded formation, and to carry out more fittingly their duties
as regards studies, morals, and Religion.
95. Thus it happens that in our day
youths can be allotted additional years to acquire a basic education and
necessary skills.
96. Now if these things be done, a situation
will emerge wherein workers are enabled to assume greater responsibilities
even within their own enterprises. As regards the commonwealth as
such, it is of great iimportance that all ranks of citizens feel themselves
daily more obligated to safeguard the common good.
Participation of Workers at All Levels
97. Now, as is evident
to all, in our day associations of workers have become widespread, and
for the most part have been given legal status within individual countries
and even across national boundaries. These bodies no longer recruit
workers for purposes of strife, but rather for pursuing a common aim.
And this is achieved especially by collective bargaining between associations
of workers and those of management. But it should be emphasized how
necessary, or at least very appropriate, it is to give workers an opportunity
to exert influence outside the limits of the individual productive unit,
and indeed within all ranks of the commonwealth.
98. The reason is that individual productive
units, whatever their size, efficiency, or importance within the commonwealth,
are closely connected with the over-all economic and social situation in
each country, whereon their own prosperity ultimately depends.
99. Nevertheless, to decide what is
more helpful to the overall economic situation is not the prerogative of
individual productive enterprises, but pertains to the public authorities
and to those institutions which, established either nationally or among
a number of countries, function in various sectors of economic life.
From this is evident the propriety or necessity of ensuring that not only
managers or agents of management are represented before such authorities
and institutions, but also workers or those who have the responsibility
of safeguarding the rights, needs, and aspirations of workers.
100. It is fitting, therefore, that our thoughts
and paternal affection be directed toward the various professional groups
and associations of workers which, in accord with principles of Christian
teaching, carry on their activities on several continents. We are
aware of the many and great difficulties experienced by these beloved sons
of ours, as they effectively worked in the past and continue to strive,
both within their national boundaries and throughout the world, to vindicate
the rights of workingmen and to improve their lot and conduct.
101. Furthermore, we wish to give deserved
praise to the work of these our sons. Their accomplishments are not
always immediately evident, but nevertheless permeate practically the entire
field of labor, spreading correct norms of action and thought, and the
beneficial influence of the Christian Religion.
102. And we wish also to praise paternally
those dear sons of ours who, inbued with Christian principles, give their
special attention to other labor associations and those groups of workingmen
that follow the laws of nature and respect the Religious and moral liberty
of individuals.
103. Nor can we at this point neglect to congratualte
and to express our esteem for the International Labor Organization--variously
signified popularly by the letters O.I.L. or I.L.O. or O.I.T.--which, for
many years, has done effective and valuable work in adapting the economic
and social order everywhere to the norms of justice and humanity.
In such an order, the legitimate rights of workers are recognized and preserved.
Private Property
Changed Conditions
104. In recent years, as we are well aware,
the role played by the owners of capital in very large productive enterprises
has been separated more and more from the rule of management. This
has occasioned great difficulties for governments, whose duty it is to
make certain that directors of the prinicpal enterprrises, especially those
of greatest influence in the economic life of the entire country, do not
depart from the requirements of the common good. These difficulties,
as we know from experience, are by no means less, whether it be private
citizens or public bodies that make the capital investments requisite for
large-scale enterprises.
105. It is also quite clear that today the
number of persons is increasing who, because of recent advances in insurance
programs and various systems of social security, are able to look to the
future with tranquillity. This sort of tranquillity once was rooted
in the ownership of property, albeit modest.
106. It sometimes happens in our day that
men are more inclined to seek some professional skill than possession of
goods. Moreover, such men have greater esteem for income from labor
or rights arising from labor, than for that deriving from capital investment
or rights associated therewith.
107. This clearly accords with the inherent
characteristics of labor, inasmuch as this proceeds directly from the human
person, and hence is to be thought more of than wealth in external goods.
These latter, by their very nature, must be regarded as instruments.
This trend indicates an advance in civilization.
108. Economic conditions of this kind have
occasional popular doubt as to whether, under present circumstances, a
principle of economic and social life, firmly enunciated and defended by
our predecessors, has lost its force or is to be regarded as of lesser
moment; namely, the principle whereby it is established that men
have from nature a right of privately owning goods, including those of
a productive kind.
Confirmation of the Right of Private Property
109. Such a doubt has no foundation.
For the right of private property, including that pertaining to goods devoted
to productive enterprises, is permanently valid. Indeed, it is rooted
in the very nature of things, whereby we learn that individual men are
prior to civil society, and hence, that civil society is to be directed
toward man as its end. Indeed, the right of private individuals to
act freely in economic affairs is recognized in vain, unless they are at
the same time given an opportunity of freely selecting and using things
necessary for the exercise of this right. Moreover, experience and
history testify that where political regimes do not allow to private individuals
the possession also of productive goods, the exercise of human liberty
is violated or completely destroyed in matters of priimary importance.
Thus it becomes clear that in the right of property, the exercise of liberty
finds both a safeguard and a stimulus.
110. This explains the fact that socio-political
groups and associations which endeavor to reconcile freedom with justice
within society, and which until recently did not uphold the right of private
property in productive goods, have now, enlightened by the course of social
events, modified their views and are disposed actually to approve this
right.
111. Accordingly, we make our own the insistence
of our predecessor of happy memory, Pius XII: "In defending the right
of private property, the Church has in mind a very important ethical aim
in social matters. She does not, of course, strive to uphold the
present state of affairs as if it were an expression of the divine will.
And even less does she accept the patronage of the affluent and wealthy,
while neglecting the rights of the poor and needy. . . . The Church rather
does intend that the institution of private property be such as is rerquired
by the plan of divine wisdom and the law of nature." (Radio
Boradcast, September 1, 1944; cf. A.A.S., XXXVI [1944], p. 253.)
Private ownership should safeguard the rights of the human person, and
at the same tiime make its necessary contribution to the establishment
of right order in society.
112. While recent developments in economic
life progress rapidly in a number of countries, as we have noted, and produce
goods ever more efficiently,justice and equity require that remuneration
for work also be increased within limits allowed by the common good.
This enables workers to save more readily and hence to achieve some property
status of their own. Wherefore, it is indeed surprising that some
reject the natural role of private ownership. For it is a right
which continually draws its force and vigor from the fruitfulness of labor,
and which, accordingly, is an effective aid in safeguarding the dignity
of the human person and the free exercise of responsibility in all fields
of endeavor. Finally, it strengthens the stability and tranquillity
of family life, thus contributing to the peace and prosperity of the commonwealth.
Effective Distribution
113. It is not enough, then, to assert that
man has from nature the right of privately possessing goods as his own,
including those of productive character, unless, at the same time a continuing
effort is made to spread the use of this right through all ranks of the
citizenry.
114. Our predecessor of happy memory, Pius
XII, clearly reminded us that on the one hand the dignity of the human
person necessarily "requires the right of using external goods in
order to live according to the right norm of nature. And to this
right corresponds a most serious obligation, which requires that, so far
as possible, there be given to all an opportunity of possessing private
property." (Radio Boradcast, December 24, 1943; cf. A.A.A.,
XXXV [1943], p. 17.) On the other hand, the nobility
inherent in work, besides other requirements, demands "the conservation
and perfection of a social order that makes possible a secure, although
modest, property to all classes of the people." (Cf. Ibid.,
p. 20.)
115. It is especially appropriate that today,
more than heretofore, widespread private ownership should prevail, since,
as noted above, the number of nations increases wherein the economic systems
experience daily growth. Therefore, by prudent use of various devices
already proven effective, it will not be difficult for the body politic
to modify economic and social life so that the way is made easier for widespread
private possession of such things as durable goods, homes, gardens, tools
requisite for artisan enterprises and family-type farms, investments in
enterprises of medium or large size. All of this has occurred
satisfactorily in some nations with developed social and economic systems.
Public Property
116. Obviously, what we have said above does
not preclude ownership of goods pertaining to production of wealth by States
and public agencies, especially "if these carry with them power too great
to be left in private hands, without injury to the community at large."
(Encyclical Letter Quadragesimo Anno; A.A.A., XXIII
[1931], p. 214.)
117. It seems characteristic of our times
to vest more and more ownership of goods in the State and in other public
bodies. This is partially explained by the fact that the common good
requires public authorities to exercise ever greater responsibilities.
However, in this matter, the principle of subsidiarity, already
mentioned above, is to be strictly observed. For it is lawful for
States and public corporations to expand their domain of ownership only
when manifest and genuine requirements of the common good so require, and
then with safeguards, lest the possession of private citizens be diminished
beyond measure, or, what is worse, destroyed.
118. Finally, we cannot pass over in
silence the fact that economic enterprises undertaken by the State or by
public corporations should be entrusted to citizens outstanding in skill
and integrity, who will carry out their responsibilities to the commonwealth
with a deep sense of devotion. Moreover, the activity of these men
should be subjected to careful and continuing supervision, lest, in the
administration of the State itself, there develop an economic imperialism
in the hands of a few. For such a development is in conflict
with the highest good of the commonwealth.
Social Function of Property
119. Our predecessors have always taught that
in the right of private property there is rooted a social responsibility.
Indeed, in the wisdom of God the Creator, the over-all supply of goods
is assigned, first of all, that all men may lead a decent life. As
our predecessor of happy memory, Leo XIII, clearly reminded us in the Encyclical
Letter Rerum Novarum, "This is the heart of the matter: whoever
has received from the divine bounty a larger share of blessings, whether
these be corporal or external or gifts of the mind, has received them to
use for his own perfection, and, at the same time, as the minister of God's
providence, for the benefit of others. 'He who has a talent' [says
St. Gregory the Great], 'let him take care that he bides it not; he who
has abundance, let him arouse himself to mercy and genersoity; he who has
skill in managing affairs, let him make special effort to share the use
and utility thereof with his neighbor.' " (Acta Leonis
XIII,
XI [1891], p. 114.)
120. Although in our day, the role assigned
the State and public bodies has increased more and more, it by no means
follows that the social function of private ownership is obsolescent, as
some seem to think. For social responsibility in this matter derives
its force from the very right of private property. Furthermore, it
is quite clear that there always will be a wide range of difficult situations,
as well as hidden and grave needs, which the manifold providence of the
State leaves untouched, and of which it can in no way take account.
Wherefore, there is always wide scope for humane action by private citizens
and for Christian charity. Finally, it is evident that in stimulating
efforts relating to spiritual welfare, the work done by individual men
or by private civic groups has more value than what is done by public authorities.
121. Moreover, it is well to recall here that
the right of private ownership is clearly evident in the Gospels, which
reveal Jesus Christ ordering the rich to share their goods with the poor
so as to turn them into spiritual possessions: "Do not lay up for yourselves
treasures on earth, where rust and moth consume, and where thieves break
in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither
rust nor moth consumes nor thieves break in and steal." (Matt.
6, 19-20.) And the divine Master states that whatever is done
for the poor is done for Him: "Amen I say to you, as long as you did it
for one of these, the least of My brethren, you did it for Me." (Matt.
25, 40.)