Ch. iii. Of Systems of Equality, continued. 43 



the depressing and deadening effects which arise 

 from the want of this stimulus. But still, per- 

 haps, it may be true that neither experience nor 

 theory on this subject is quite so decisive as to 

 preclude all plausible arguments on the other 

 side. It may be said that the instances which 

 history records of systems of equality really car- 

 ried into execution are so few, and those in socie- 

 ties so little advanced from a state of barbarism, 

 as to afford no fair conclusions relative to periods 

 of great civilization and improvement ; that, in 

 other instances, in ancient times, where ap- 

 proaches were made toward a tolerable equality 

 of conditions, examples of considerable energy 

 of character in some lines of exertion are not un- 

 frequent ; and that in modern times some so- 

 cieties, particularly of Moravians, are known to 

 have had much of their property in common 

 without occasioning the destruction of their in- 

 dustry. It may be said that, allowing the stimu- 

 lus of inequality of conditions to have been ne- 

 cessary, in order to raise man from the indolence 

 and apathy of the savage to the activity and in- 

 telligence of civilized life, it does not follow that 

 the continuance of the same stimulus should 

 be necessary when this activity and energy of 

 mind has been once gained. It may then be al- 

 lowable quietly to enjoy the benefit of a regimen 

 which, like many other stimulants, having pro- 

 duced its proper effect at a certain point, must be 

 left off, or exhaustion, disease, and death will 

 follow. 



