[45] And it is
observable that, during the ardour of new enthusiasms, when every
principle is inflamed into extravagance, the community of goods has
frequently been attempted; and nothing but experience of its
inconveniences, from the returning or disguised selfishness of men,
could make the imprudent fanatics adopt anew the ideas of justice
and separate property. So true is it that this virtue derives its
existence entirely from its necessary _use_ to the intercourse and
social state of mankind."--(IV. p. 256.)
"Were the human species so framed by nature as that each individual
possessed within himself every faculty requisite both for his own
preservation and for the propagation of his kind: Were all society
and intercourse cut off between man and man by the primary
intention of the Supreme Creator: It seems evident that so solitary
a being would be as much incapable of justice as of social
discourse and conversation. Where mutual regard and forbearance
serve to no manner of purpose, they would never direct the conduct
of any reasonable man. The headlong course of the passions would be
checked by no reflection on future consequences. And as each man
is here supposed to love himself alone, and to depend only on
himself and his own activity for safety and happiness, he would, on
every occasion, to the utmost of his power, challenge the
preference above every other being, to none of which he is bound by
any ties, either of nature or of interest.
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