Michael sherm and i share an insight that we developed after years of teaching property, which is that it turns out they are just six stories that we tell in order to claim everything. First in time is one of those very basic stories that even little kids know andh they understand it deep in their bones. It goes way back in evolutionary history. Tha, first is fair. And that's still the same, true for grown ups as well.
“Mine” is one of the first words babies learn. By the time we grow up, the idea of ownership seems natural. But who controls the space behind your airplane seat: you reclining or the squished laptop user behind? Why is plagiarism wrong, but it’s okay to knock-off a recipe or a dress design? Mine! explains these puzzles and many more.