The Difference Between Rights and Privileges

5/16/2009.

A privilege is like an opposite of a right. A privilege is something that can be revoked. Rights, for example, cannot.

While both rights and privileges are earned, inherent, and default, privileges are conditional, rights are not.

While there is no major distinction between earned privileges and privileges, both can be revoked.

Basically, "rights are just privileges that cannot be revoked." Of course, privileges can be revoked. However, it's even more non-sensical to say "privileges are just rights that can be revoked."

A classic example is the use of a computer in a public library. This is the difference between default rights and default privileges. You've already earned the default privilege to use the computers - but if you vandalize the library, you can lose that right (well privilege) to use the computers, such as being banned from entering the library.

This is why I'm drawing a line between privileges that can be revoked and privileges that cannot be revoked. The difference is where you started - earned privileges vs. default privileges. You can have all the fun in arguing terminology.

This is why it's non-sensical to say "rights can be earned." Like a driver's license. That is a privilege that has to be earned, but it can be revoked at any time.

So you have privileges that have to be earned that can be revoked, privileges that are default that can be revoked, and of course, rights, that can never be revoked.

The non-legality sense.

Everything in this universe is a privilege, and not a right. This is for both the theistic and atheistic universe.

For example, in the theistic universe, you cannot demand to God the "right" to live to be 80. This is the same for the atheistic universe either. In the atheist universe, you cannot demand the right to live to be 80 to the laws of biology.

In the non-legality sense, rights don't exist in the theist universe as rights don't exist in the atheistic universe. This is why you should never complain or feel bummed out if you are born with a genetic defect or get refused from sexual favors, at least in the atheistic universe for the 1st 1.

So what rights do you have?

Besides the legality, the only rights you have are those that others are willing to give you. That others are willing to impose on you.

So suppose someone believed I have the "right" to eat broccoli. Then that person will never be angry if I eat or steal their broccoli, as it is a right, and not a privilege.

This would actually be very useful to me or anyone if such a person was a grocery store owner, then such a person would have no problem if people stole his broccoli for free. But such a causality just never observed in nature.

But if other people aren't willing to give me rights, those rights I impose others to give on me are just my imaginary rights. In a sense, everyone has imaginary rights.

Ultimately, according to the better safe than sorry philosophy, you should assume everything in this universe is a privilege and not a right. This is especially the case for volitional issues.

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