Hacker Timesnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

I really wish people would quit declaring anything they want as a "universal human right."

The real universals are things you naturally have that must be taken away from you. If you were the sole person on an island, you could speak freely, practice whatever religion, pursue happiness, etc. You have those rights unless someone else shows up and takes them away from you.

Things like an income, health care, and all the so-called "positive rights" are just entitlements. You can stand alone on an island and scream about your right to an income, but it won't matter.

Maybe the entitlements are a good idea, but no matter how good they might be they're still not "universal human rights."



You can give up that right, I'll take it away from you since you don't seem to want it.


Actually not, since that "right" hasn't been created yet.

Which is just another indication that it's actually an entitlement rather than a right. Rights exist without government, governments merely recognize them. On the other hand entitlements don't exist at all without government funding.


Such defeatist thinking, it won't get you far in life :) j/k




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: