Book Review: Mine! How the Hidden Rules of Ownership Control Our Lives | Michael Heller & James Salzman
A hidden set of rules governs who owns what–explaining everything from whether you can recline your airplane seat to why HBO lets you borrow a password illegally–and in this lively and entertaining guide, two acclaimed law professors reveal how things become mine.
Mine is one of the first words babies learn. By the time we grow up, the idea of ownership seems natural, whether buying a cup of coffee or a house. 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? And after a snowstorm, why does a chair in the street hold your parking space in Chicago, but in New York you lose the space and the chair?
Mine! explains these puzzles and many more. Surprisingly, there are just six simple stories that everyone uses to claim everything. Owners choose the story that steers us to do what they want. But we can always pick a different story. This is true not just for airplane seats, but also for battles over digital privacy, climate change, and wealth inequality. As Michael Heller and James Salzman show–in the spirited style of Freakonomics, Nudge, and Predictably Irrational–ownership is always up for grabs.
With stories that are eye-opening, mind-bending, and sometimes infuriating, Mine! reveals the rules of ownership that secretly control our lives.
Reflection
I was hooked by the airline teaser about reclining seats since I not only work for a major airline, but I am a strong supporter of the side of “it is airplane etiquette not to recline your seat!” I was interested in this book because I do a lot of coaching at work and in consulting I do on the side, and a common theme of these conversations at work is around ownership with work projects, particularly when many of their projects involve cross-functional teams.
Full of interesting stories, both large and small, this book really delves into the complicated way we all let ownership influence our lives. I am the first to admit that I get territorial at times. Maybe this comes from having several siblings and having to share so much growing up, or maybe I’m just (as most humans are) a bit selfish! There is a comfort that comes from ownership, right? It is related to psychological safety. If we own something—it something is ours—there is a feeling it is more stable. That it gives us value.
I’ll be honest, the fact that the authors didn’t support my notion of the wedge of space behind an airplane seat clearly belonging to the person sitting in the seat behind felt like someone stole my identity. I loved reading about the different ways people, companies, and organizations have played with the concept of ownership—and the ambiguity of it—to manipulate all variety of situations!
Covering everything from the most trivial of disputes to the much larger topics of inequality and gender discrimination, this book is the perfect mix of engaging examples and deep conceptual discussion that makes it fly by while also profoundly impacting your world view. And by the end, I can’t imagine any reader not finding some ways of recognizing the way these “rules” or ownership apply to their own life. Just maybe, we can use that knowledge for positive change!
Thank you to Double Day Books for my copy! Opinions are my own.
21 Comments
Mischenko
This sounds like a very interesting book, Mackenzie. Love your thoughts on it. I wonder if some of the stories would infuriate me! 😉 Great review.
Anonymous
IF YOU WANT TO RECOVER YOUR STOLEN BTC CONTACT // THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT
I highly recommend THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT to anyone who wants to recover lost bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies from online scammers, wallet hackers, or if you ever sent bitcoins to the incorrect wallet address. I invested a total of €700,550 worth of Bitcoin with an online company that specialized in trading. The company had guaranteed me a 25% return per week on my investment. Feeling a mix of frustration and anxiety, I sought out a reliable solution to recover my funds back. I found it very hard to move on. God so kind I followed a broadcast that teaches how scammed victims can recover their funds. That’s when I discovered THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. They are such very good experts as they are so reliable, transparent. In less than two days. I received the incredible news that my lost funds had been successfully recovered.The sense of relief and gratitude I felt when the money was returned was indescribable. For anyone who has fallen victim to online scams or fraudulent schemes, I can confidently recommend THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. Contact them via⁚
WhatsApp +1(520)200-2320)
(support@thehackangels.com)
(www.thehackangels.com)
Their expertise, and commitment to helping clients recover their funds were nothing short of exceptional, and they restored not just my finances, but also my confidence in the possibility of recovery.
Anonymous
THE BEST WAY TO RECOVER YOUR LOST FUNDS // CONTACT THE HACK ANGELS
You can recover bitcoin and other cryptocurrency with the help of THE HACK ANGELS. Some people may be indebted but naturally you can. I was a victim of losing login to my Bitcoin wallet, at the end I became victorious. These people are amazing and extremely professional! I contacted them when I lost the login to my Bitcoin wallet. It took them 48 hours to recover my Bitcoin Wallet because I didn’t have the complete information. They have assisted numerous clients in getting their bitcoin back, they are a team which specializes in recovering a wide range of digital assets including Ethereum, stable coins, and other various cryptocurrencies. I highly recommend their services to anyone out there.
Email: support@thehackangels.com
Website at http://www.thehackangels.com
WhatsApp +1(520)200-2320
I hope this information reaches someone truly in need of it.
Anonymous
It is really important to have a trustworthy hacker. I just had the idea to post this here in order to assist others who might require this kind of assistance! They literally saved my life; at the very least, I owe them advertising and notoriety. I recommend Wizard James Recovery, a hacking company that I trust for personal and private hacking, because every project I handed them turned out well. My credit card debts and personal credit loans were erased since I was unable to stick to the debt repayment schedule that the scammers had put me in, and Wizard James Recovery hacking service assisted me in recovering my lost money and Bitcoin from scammers. Contact them now at, WIZARDJAMESRECOVERY@USA.COM WhatsApp: + 4 4 7 4 1 8 3 6 7 2 0 4
Anonymous
I was casually browsing on my phone when a strange link popped up. Without thinking much, I clicked it, and within moments, all my Ethereum (ETH) tokens, worth around $221,000, vanished. It happened so fast that I thought my phone had been hacked. I quickly checked my laptop, but the damage was already done. My wallet was empty. I felt numb, shocked, and completely lost.
Desperate, I reached out to a friend who’s been in the crypto space for years. He immediately suggested I contact Morphohack, a recovery team he trusted. I sent them all the details I had, hoping for a miracle.
Morphohack quickly discovered that I had been targeted with a phishing link that drained my entire portfolio. But the real surprise? They said they could recover it. True to their word, within 48 hours, they retrieved everything I lost. I couldn’t believe it, what felt like a hopeless situation turned around, thanks to Morphohack.You can reach them via email(Morphohack@cyberservices . com)
Anonymous
SPEAK WITH A LICENSED ALPHA KEY BTC/USDT RECOVERY HACKER EXPERT
My life was a living hell for the last three months before I discovered Alpha Key Recovery expert reviews on how they have helped many victims who have fallen for these online brokers. I can’t really thank Alpha Key Recovery enough for their kindness and honesty towards me after reporting my case to them and registering under them. Today marked the end of three months and five days since I fell victim to a scam in which I was duped into investing over $267,800 USDT without realizing that I was being duped by some online brokers. As you continue to assist victims, may Almighty God continue to bless you. If you have been involved, reach out to them today.
Email:service@alphakeyrecovery.com
Email: Alphakey@consltant.com
WhatsApp: +15714122170
Telegram: Alphakeyhacker
Signal: +18622823879
Website :www.alphakeyrecovery.com
Anonymous
My name is Michael, and I want to share how Astraweb helped me recover a large portion of my stolen crypto after I was scammed by a fake exchange. I had invested $87,000 into what looked like a professional trading platform. The site had a sleek design, live charts, and even fake reviews that made everything seem legitimate. But the moment I tried to withdraw my funds, everything went silent the support vanished, and so did my crypto. I felt sick. That money represented years of savings. I started researching recovery services and came across Astraweb. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the first contact, they were professional, responsive, and discreet. Their team immediately got to work, tracing the blockchain activity tied to my transaction. Within hours, they had mapped out a network of shell wallets used by the scammers. Thanks to their fast action and legal partnerships, Astraweb managed to freeze $62,000 of my stolen funds before it was laundered through crypto mixers. Not only did they recover a major portion of my investment they also helped shut down the fraudulent exchange and provided evidence to support legal action against those involved. I’m beyond grateful. Without Astraweb, I would have lost everything. They didn’t just promise results they delivered. You Can Reach Out To Them If You Are Having Similar Issues:
Contact: Astraweb@cyberdude . Com
Hybrid Chicago
U svojoj ulozi radim s odjelima za osiguranje, obradu, financiranje i drugim odjelima. Svaki od ovih timova dolazi s ogromnim bogatstvom znanja. To mi omogućuje da steknem više znanja o svojoj ulozi i pružim članovima bolje iskustvo. Dobijte svoju financijsku slobodu od nas danas. Dugujete li, trebate zajam, brz i pouzdan, ovo je mjesto za dobivanje vjerodostojnih zajmova. Nudimo poslovne zajmove, studentske zajmove, stambene zajmove, osobne zajmove itd. Kamatna stopa zajma od 3%. Kontaktirajte nas danas. Imate priliku dobiti novčani zajam u iznosu od 2000 (€$£) – 5.000.000 – 100.000.000 (€$£) s mogućnošću otplate od 1 godine do 45 godina bez jamstva nekretnine.
Viber: +385915608706
WhatsApp: +385915608706
E-pošta: hybridalliantcreditunion@gmail.com
© 2025 Alliant Credit Union
11545 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago, IL 60666
Usmjeravanje #271081528
Anonymous
How I Recovered My Bitcoin After a Phishing Scam
I lost over $81,000 worth of Bitcoin to a phishing scam. It started with an email that looked like it came from my wallet provider, warning me about suspicious activity. I clicked the link, logged in, and thought I had secured my wallet. Minutes later, I checked my actual wallet and saw all my Bitcoin had been transferred to a wallet I didn’t recognize. I panicked. My wallet provider said nothing could be done crypto transactions are irreversible.
I felt helpless until I found Astraweb. After reading about their recovery success stories, I reached out to them. Their response was fast, professional, and reassuring. They took on my case and began tracing the stolen Bitcoin using advanced blockchain forensic tools. Within a few days, they discovered the funds had moved through several wallets and were about to be converted on a crypto exchange. Astraweb prepared a detailed report and contacted the exchange’s compliance team. Thanks to their quick action, the exchange froze the wallet. After verifying my identity, the stolen Bitcoin was returned to a new, secure wallet Astraweb helped me set up. I couldn’t believe it my crypto was recovered. Astraweb didn’t just get my funds back they also showed me how to protect myself from future scams with better wallet security.
If you’ve lost crypto to phishing, scams, or hacks, don’t give up hope. Astraweb may be the key to getting it back.
Email: Astraweb@cyberdude . Com
Anonymous
As a resident of California who endured the catastrophic repercussions of the recent wildfires, I was already grappling with the emotional and financial toll of losing my home and cherished belongings. The destruction left me feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed, struggling to find a pathway to rebuild my life. Amidst this turmoil, I received a text message that appeared to be a beacon of hope. It offered a “fire recovery grant” in cryptocurrency, specifically $60,000 in USDC, claiming that I could access funds to facilitate my recovery. All I needed to do was pay a nominal “processing fee.” Desperate for assistance, I felt compelled to act swiftly, believing this could be the lifeline I so desperately required. The offer seemed legitimate. The website linked in the text exuded professionalism, complete with polished graphics and persuasive language that instilled a sense of trust. I thought I had discovered a means to secure some much-needed financial support to help me regain my footing. However, after I paid the processing fee, I quickly realized that I had fallen victim to a scam. The promised funds never materialized, and my attempts to contact the website went unanswered. A wave of despair washed over me, exacerbated by the profound loss I was already experiencing. The betrayal stung deeply, leaving me feeling more isolated and despondent than ever. I turned to online cryptocurrency forums, hoping to find guidance and camaraderie from others who might have faced similar predicaments. It was there that I stumbled upon CHAINTRACE ASSET RECOVERY , a service specializing in cryptocurrency recovery. Intrigued and desperate, I reached out to them, sharing my harrowing ordeal and the details of the scam. To my astonishment, they were responsive and empathetic, assuring me that they possessed the expertise to help recover my lost funds.Within a mere two days, CHAINTRACE ASSET RECOVERY successfully reclaimed all of my $20,000 USDC. The relief I felt was indescribable; it was as if a tremendous weight had been lifted from my shoulders. The scam had left me feeling defeated and the recovery process rejuvenated my faith in the possibility of rebuilding my life. I now advocate for others to remain informed, sharing my story to help prevent similar misfortunes.
WEBSITE: https://chaintraceassetrecovery.com
WHATSAPP : +1 (581) 256‑1989
EMAIL: chaintraceasset@post.com
TELEGRAM: https://t.me/CHAINTRACE_ASSET_RECOVERY
Anonymous
The offer sounded too good to be true, but I ignored my doubts after seeing the high-yield crypto trading platform and observing the market myself. In hindsight, that should have raised red flags. However, like many crypto investors, I was drawn into investing in digital assets, believing it was a huge opportunity for me. Unfortunately, this led to me becoming just another victim of a sophisticated crypto scam, in which I lost $312,000 in USDT (Tether). It was a devastating financial blow that threatened both my stability and peace of mind. If not for the intervention of a little-known cyber forensics firm, Morphohack Cyber Service, I would have lost everything. They helped me reverse the damage and reclaim control of my crypto assets.
I highly recommend the services of Morphohack. You can contact them via email (Morphohack@cyberservices . com). This team of blockchain experts and cybersecurity professionals was able to detect the scam, trace where my crypto was sent, and initiate a full recovery process.
It wasn’t a simple fix, it was a full-blown counteroffensive that lasted 72 hours. Within just three days, Morphohack had located the primary wallets used in the scam and coordinated a comprehensive recovery of my digital assets.
To anyone who might find themselves in the same situation I was in: don’t panic, and don’t suffer in silence. Seek help and act quickly. You can reach out to Morphohack at the email address above. Crypto recovery is real, if you move fast
Anonymous
When people hear about crypto scams, their typical reaction is disbelief, as if it only happens to careless or reckless individuals. Before I share my experience, if you’re in need of a reliable crypto asset and fund recovery service, their contact information is listed below.
E-Mail: Morphohack@cyberservices .com
My family fell victim to a crypto investment scam that wiped out nearly everything we had worked so hard to build. We lost $407,000 worth of USDT and Bitcoin earlier this year, funds that represented years of savings, hard work, and dreams for the future.
It all began with what appeared to be a legitimate investment opportunity. We were contacted, or more accurately, targeted by individuals claiming to represent a well-established crypto trading platform. They were smooth, articulate, and came armed with all the hallmarks of a trustworthy financial institution. This led us to believe they were legitimate, and we began investing with them. Unfortunately, we soon discovered they were fraudsters. By the time we realized the truth, our investment had vanished. All communication ceased, and there was no way to reach them.
The story didn’t end there. While the emotional toll was immense, we were desperate for answers and reached out to everyone we knew who might be able to help. A family friend introduced us to a group called Morphohack, a team specializing in digital asset and cryptocurrency recovery. Their contact information is provided above.
Morphohack was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. After conducting their investigation, they successfully recovered our funds within a few days. Thanks to their meticulous documentation and coordination with the relevant authorities, we were able to reclaim the full $407,000.
Morphohack accomplished what we thought was impossible, and we are deeply grateful for their outstanding work and support
Justin Simporios
Good Morning!! My name is Justin Simporios from Canada. My daughter was unable to walk for several months after an accident that required her to have surgery. Because I haven’t won the Lotto I’ve been playing for so long, I haven’t been able to pay for the surgery. A friend online recommended Lord Meduza to me and he deserves a really, really big THANK YOU. This man chose to help me with a lottery spell and he gave me the precise numbers to play the Canada Lotto Max Lottery. After two weeks, I was proclaimed the winner of $80 MILLION DOLLARS. Now, my daughter will be able to walk once more after so much time as her surgery is now completely funded. My victory marks the biggest win for a single ticket in Lotto Max history in Canada. I still can’t believe it, Indeed there’s none like Lord Meduza. Although if you want your EX LOVER back, he can help you too, so get in touch with him right now..
Email Contact: Lordmeduzatemple@hotmail.com
WhatsApp Contact: +1 (807) 907-2687.
Anonymous
Crypto Stolen? Read How I Got Mine Back With The Help Of Wizard George Cyber Service
My name is Noah Collins, and I’m a real estate developer. I come from a family that strongly believes in smart, long-term investments including cryptocurrency. Unfortunately, one of those investments turned out to be a highly sophisticated scam, and I lost a total of $850,325 in digital assets.
It was one of the most difficult moments of my financial life, but thankfully, I was introduced to Wizard George Cyber Services. Their team was exceptionally professional, knowledgeable, and efficient. They carefully analyzed the blockchain trail and worked tirelessly to track and recover every cent.
Thanks to them, I was able to recover the entire amount that was stolen from me. I’m sharing this because I know many others have experienced similar losses and don’t know where to turn. If you’ve lost crypto assets to fraud, I highly recommend reaching out to them.
Contact Information:
🌐 Website: https://wizardgeorgecyberservice.com
📧 Email: wizardgeorgecyberservice(AT) g m a l L. C o M
📞 Phone: +1 (807) 698-9213
Anonymous
I was devastated when I lost access to my crypto wallet containing $297,900 in USDT and Bitcoin. The panic and helplessness were overwhelming until I was referred to Morphohack Cyber Service. Their team of digital forensics and cyber recovery experts quickly stepped in, and to my amazement, they successfully traced and recovered every cent in my wallet.
The entire recovery process took just 72 hours from the moment I first contacted them. Their professionalism, efficiency, and expertise were truly remarkable. I’m incredibly grateful for their help and want to highly recommend Morphohack to anyone facing similar issues with lost or compromised crypto wallets.
They’ve earned a reputation for being credible and reliable, and a quick search will show you that they’ve helped countless others in situations like mine. If you ever find yourself locked out of your crypto wallet or become a victim of crypto loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to them at [Morphohack@cyberservices. com].
Thank you, Morphohack, for your exceptional service!
Anonymous
Best Cryptocurrency Recovery Service – TREK Tech Corp Exceeds Expectations!
After falling victim to a scam and losing a substantial amount of cryptocurrency, I was feeling hopeless. Desperate for a reliable recovery solution, I discovered TREK Tech Corp, and I’m beyond grateful for their exceptional assistance.
From the very beginning, their team demonstrated professionalism, responsiveness, and deep expertise in blockchain recovery. They kept me informed at every stage, clearly explaining each step and providing reassurance that my case was in capable hands.
Thanks to their skill and dedication, I successfully recovered my stolen Bitcoin swiftly. If you’re ever in need of a trusted cryptocurrency recovery service, I wholeheartedly recommend TREK Tech Corp!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Email: trektechcorp1@gmail.com
Email: trektechcorp@consultant.com
Website: (https://trektechcorp.net)
coolnighta464b66dc4
After losing $156,60 to a scam, I spent three years searching for help. Brunoe Quick Hack came through when no one else could. They recovered my funds and gave me hope again. I highly recommend their service to any scam victim. Email. BrunoeQuickHACK(AT)gmail. COM….
WhatsAPP +17057842635….
—Lynn Whitfield, Los Angeles
Anonymous
In August, I made what I thought was a promising investment, only to realize too late that I had fallen into the hands of a fraudulent platform. My $250,000 worth of Bitcoin vanished, and with it, my confidence and peace of mind. I felt helpless, as every attempt to contact the so-called “investors” ended in silence.It was during this period of despair that I was introduced to Washington Recovery Pro, a team of professionals dedicated to helping victims like me reclaim lost digital assets.From the very first consultation, they treated my case with urgency, professionalism, and transparency. They carefully examined the fraudulent transactions, tracked the blockchain trail, and used advanced recovery strategies to identify and intercept the wrong channels where my funds had been diverted.Weeks later, what I had thought impossible became reality Washington Recovery Pro successfully retrieved my entire $250,000 worth of Bitcoin. Their relentless efforts not only restored my finances but also gave me renewed trust in the idea that justice can prevail, even in the complicated world of cryptocurrency.Looking back, I see this as more than just a financial recovery, it was a story of hope, resilience, and professional expertise. Without Washington Recovery Pro, I would still be burdened by loss. With them, I found both recovery and relief.You can visit their handle if you are having similar issues…
Email: WashingtonRecoveryPro@engineer.com
WhatsApp: +1 (903) 249‑8633
Anonymous
Not long ago, I fell victim to an online trading scam. It started with what looked like a legitimate platform professional website, convincing customer support, and promises of steady returns. I deposited my Bitcoin, which over time added up to nearly $22,000. For a while, everything seemed fine. My account dashboard showed growth, withdrawals appeared possible, and the so-called account managers kept urging me to invest more. But when the time came to withdraw my funds, everything changed. My withdrawal requests were delayed, then ignored. Soon after, my account access was restricted. That’s when I realized I had been scammed. The sinking feeling of losing that much in Bitcoin was overwhelming. After days of research, I came across Dexdert Net Pro Recovery, a group that specialized in helping victims of crypto and online trading fraud. At first, I was skeptical after all, I had just been deceived, and trusting another company wasn’t easy. But after reading through testimonials and speaking directly with their representatives, I decided to give them a chance. The process was thorough. I had to provide transaction records, wallet addresses, communication logs with the scammers, and other key details. The Dexdert team carefully analyzed the blockchain trail of my Bitcoin and explained step by step how they would attempt recovery. Eventually, they were able to reclaim the funds and return them to my wallet.When I finally saw my Bitcoin restored, I felt a mix of relief and gratitude. What I thought was gone forever had been recovered. Today, I share my story so that others who may feel hopeless after a scam know that recovery is possible.
Reach Out For Help Via Information Below:
WhatsApp: (+1 (859) 609 4156)Telegram: (https://t.me/Dexdertprorecovery)Email: (DexdertNetPro@mail.com)
Anonymous
I lost a lot of money a month ago when I saw the opportunity to invest in cryptocurrency and this is why I suggest to everyone out there to seek more knowledge before investing in cryptocurrency as there are people out there who seize this opportunity to defraud victims of their hard-earned money through cryptocurrency investment. I was lucky enough to do my research and found out I have been coined of $835,000 worth of Bitcoin & Ethereum after falling victim but it was not long after I discovered the services of SMITH WHITE HACK SERVICE, who took some information from me to investigate and recover all the money that I lost in this scam. I’m truly grateful for the service of SMITH WHITE HACK SERVICE, the best cryptocurrency recovery team out there. If you need the services of SMITH WHITE HACK SERVICE to help you recover your cryptocurrency without any delay, you should contact them at one of the Email addresses listed below.
CONTACT INFO >>SMITHWHITEHACKSERVICE@GMAIL.COM
OR WHATSAPP >> +1 (559 508 2403)
Anonymous
Best Ways To Recover Funds From Crypto and Bitcoin Scam – Go Through WIZARD LARRY RECOVERY EXPERTS
The Wizard Larry Recovery Expert is a worldwide investigative company that focuses on forensic and cryptocurrency intelligence. With an emphasis on cryptocurrencies, they are experts at tracking down both digital and physical valuables. Their professionals monitor the movements of the blockchain and offer crucial proof for money recovery. My eternal gratitude goes out to Wizard Larry and his team.
Website Address, http://www.wizardlarryrecovery.com
Email Address, info@wizardlarryrecovery.com
WhatsApp Number, +1(616) – (292) – (4789)