30 Of Systems of Equality . Godiciti. Bk. iii. 



situation of the country stated in the strongest 

 terms. It would be observed that while they 

 lived in the midst of plenty, it was of httle con- 

 sequence who laboured the least, or who possessed 

 the least, as every man was perfectly willing and 

 ready to supply the wants of his neighbour. But 

 that the question was no longer, whether one man 

 should give to another that which he did not use 

 himself; but whether he should give to his neigh- 

 bour the food which was absolutely necessary to 

 his own existence. It would be represented that 

 the number of those who were in want very greatly 

 exceeded the number and means of those who 

 should supply them ; that these pressing wants, 

 which from the state of the produce of the country 

 could not all be gratified, had occasioned some 

 flagrant violations of justice ; that these violations 

 had already checked the increase of food, and 

 would, if they were not by some means or other 

 prevented, throw the whole community into con- 

 fusion ; that imperious necessity seemed to dic- 

 tate that a yearly increase of produce should, if 

 possible, be obtained at all events ; that in order 

 to effect this first great and indispensable purpose, 

 it would be advisable to make a more complete 

 division of land, and to secure every man's property 

 against violation by the most powerful sanctions. 

 It might be urged perhaps by some objectors, 

 that as the fertility of the land increased, and va- 

 rious accidents occurred, the shares of some men 

 might be much more than sufficient for their sup- 

 port; and that when the reign of self-love was 



