We soon learn to despise the mere
animal function, which, apart from the delusions of intellect, would
be nearly the same in all cases; and to value it, only as it happens
to be relieved by personal charms or mental excellence. We absurdly
imagine that no better road can be found to the sympathy and
intercourse of minds. But a very slight degree of attention might
convince us that this is a false road, full of danger and deception.
Why should I esteem another, or by another be esteemed? For this
reason only, because esteem is due, and only so far as it is due.
'The men therefore who exist when the earth shall refuse itself to a
more extended population will cease to propagate, for they will no
longer have any motive, either of error or duty, to induce them. In
addition to this they will perhaps be immortal. The whole will be a
people of men, and not of children. Generation will not succeed
generation, nor truth have in a certain degree to recommence her
career at the end of every thirty years. There will be no war, no
crimes, no administration of justice as it is called, and no
government.
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