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for a debtor ought to pay what he owes, but
nothing that a son can do comes up to the benefits he has received, so that a son is
always in his father's debt. But a creditor may discharge his debtor, and therefore a
father may disown his son. At the same time, no doubt it is unlikely that a father ever
would abandon a son unless the son were excessively vicious; for natural affection apart,
it is not in human nature to reject the assistance that a son will be able to render.
Whereas a bad son will look on the duty of supporting his father as one to be avoided, or
at all events not eagerly undertaken; for most people wish to receive benefits, but avoid
bestowing them as unprofitable.
So much then for a discussion of these subjects.