SECT. III.] POLITICAL CONDITIONS. 361 



It would be difficult or impossible to give a sketch of the 

 progressive development of society in various directions, in- 

 fluenced as it is by so many and various causes. We must, 

 therefore, confine ourselves to pointing out some other social 

 elements of considerable importance in the development of 

 civilization. 



We have already had occasion to observe, that, by the 

 inequalities in the distribution of property, there arises a 

 rivalry which, in one respect, stimulates activity, but also gives 

 cause for disputes, and irritates the passions. This rivalry, ac- 

 companied by its beneficial and detrimental consequences, pro- 

 duces a permanent antagonism in society. If to the distinction 

 between the rich and the poor there be added that between the 

 governing and the governed elements, a series of contrasts is 

 established, and the rivalry for the possession of property is 

 now directed to the possession of power and honour. 



The development of such antagonistic forces becomes very im- 

 portant, both directly and indirectly, for the progress of culture. 

 It leads, in the first place, to a community of such elements in 

 society whose interest is opposed to that of others. The first 

 step is, that the members of a family originally united by the 

 autocratic will of a man unite with their relations. These 

 family bonds, no doubt, form the essential basis of all civiliza- 

 tion. 



It is not necessary to descant upon the mode by which the 

 gradations in society lead to the more extensive union of men. 

 Common interest, as opposed to other motives, also leads 

 here to common efforts and greater performances : in order 

 to effect the latter, division of labour presents itself as an 

 effective means. 



On comparing the various classes of society, we find as 

 striking differences in their inner as in their external life. The 

 feeling of security, the consciousness of a prominent position, 

 the servility of others, the command over the enjoyments of 

 life, give to the character of the higher ranks a direction and 

 a development as essentially distinct from that of the lower 

 classes, as they differ in nutriment, dress, habitation, and con- 

 sequent protection from the effects of climate. It has already 



