Final answer:
The quote about labor and ownership does not directly reference a specific author but aligns with the philosophies of John Locke regarding the labor theory of property and Karl Marx's concept of alienation in a capitalist society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote initially provided by the student discussing the concept of labor and ownership over one's time and labor does not directly reference a specific author. It encapsulates ideas that are similar to those held by various thinkers and philosophers throughout history, especially within the context of labor theory and individual rights. The sentiments expressed align closely with the philosophies of John Locke and Karl Marx, who both discussed labor and ownership in different contexts.
Locke believed in the labor theory of property, which held that property ownership resulted from the application of labor. Moreover, he argued that owning property and the fruits of one's labor is a natural right. On the other hand, Marx discussed the concept of alienation within a capitalist society, where workers are separated from the products of their labor because they do not own the means of production.
The excerpts provided reference historical instances, such as the task system during slavery, where those enslaved could own their time after completing assigned work, and the perspectives on freedom and land ownership expressed after the Emancipation Proclamation. These references to historical labor practices under slavery and the alienation experienced by workers in a capitalist system illustrate the complex relationship between labor, ownership, and freedom.