Is Intellectual Property Outdated in the Age of Freedom?
Hardly. Consider any number you may fancy, but it will always be a large one: in modern human society, perhaps only five percent of all human endeavors are driven by love. The remaining ninety-five percent are motivated by monetary gain, either for pure survival or personal profit.
Thus, if we were to eliminate the profit motive, beyond the necessities of growing food and making clothes, virtually no work would be done. For every act to be performed, the actor expects a reward. If there is no reward, why would anyone voluntarily put in the effort? Why would Jim plant a seed if Joe could simply take the fruit without compensation? Property is the result of someone's effort, and if you didn't do the work, why should you reap the benefits?
King Diarmud of Ireland addressed this issue around 570 CE. He recognized the value of intellectual property, which continues to be a fundamental concept in our society today.
The Modern Perspective
Many websites and online platforms, however, have policies against any form of violence, murder, or hostility that could be directed toward other users. I respect these policies and will not engage in such discourse here. Nevertheless, disregarding intellectual property is to disregard equality itself. It undermines the idea that creations of the mind are a part of the person who created them, a part of their soul.
Intellectual property laws serve to protect the efforts and contributions of individuals, ensuring that they receive recognition and compensation for their work. This concept is not outdated; rather, it faces scrutiny and criticism from those who seek to exploit these creations, often driven by laziness or greed.
The Distinction Between Discovery and Art
Discovery as intellectual property is inherently limited, as it involves the use of laws discovered by the entire human race. As such, a discovery that benefits humanity cannot be retained forever. Art, on the other hand, is meant to be eternal. The coupling of art with discovery has led to the misconception that the copyright on art should be temporary, but this is a mistake.
Art does not involve the discovery of new physical laws; it deals with the soul and individual expression. Painting, sculpture, dance, music, and storytelling have been known for millennia. When an artist creates, they are using specific, individual techniques to produce something unique and belonging exclusively to the artist. This unique individuality should be protected permanently, not just for a limited time.
Creating a story or artwork does not require copying others. George Lucas' Star Wars is a masterpiece, but it does not mean that creating an original story is no longer protected by intellectual property laws. Artistry and creativity thrive on originality, and this should be celebrated and protected.
The Future of Intellectual Property
As technology evolves and more creative content is shared online, the importance of protecting intellectual property remains. While some may argue for increased freedom, the essence of creativity and the value of hard work cannot be overlooked. Intellectual property laws are not meant to stifle innovation but to ensure that creators are fairly compensated for their efforts.
By recognizing and protecting intellectual property, we uphold the dignity of human creativity and labor. It is a fundamental right that should be respected and preserved for future generations.