The Origin of Constitutions
Now the natural laws which regulate the merging of one
form of government into another are perhaps discussed with
greater accuracy by Plato and some other philosophers. But
their treatment, from its intricacy and exhaustiveness, is only
within the capacity of a few. I will therefore endeavour to
give a summary of the subject, just so far as I suppose it to fall
within the scope of a practical history and the intelligence of
ordinary people. For if my exposition appear in any way
inadequate, owing to the general terms in which it is expressed,
the details contained in what is immediately to follow will
amply atone for what is left for the present unsolved.
What is the origin then of a constitution, and whence is it
The origin of the social compact. |
produced? Suppose that from floods, pestilences, failure of crops, or some such causes
the race of man is reduced almost to extinction. Such things we are told have happened, and it is
reasonable to think will happen again. Suppose accordingly
all knowledge of social habits and arts to have been lost.
Suppose that from the survivors, as from seeds, the race of
man to have again multiplied. In that case I presume they
would, like the animals, herd together; for it is but reasonable
to suppose that bodily weakness would induce them to seek
those of their own kind to herd with. And in that case too,
as with the animals, he who was superior to the rest in strength
of body or courage of soul would lead and rule them. For
what we see happen in the case of animals that are without the
faculty of reason, such as bulls, goats, and cocks,—among
whom there can be no dispute that the strongest take the lead,
—that we must regard as in the truest sense the teaching of
nature. Originally then it is probable that the condition of
life among men was this,—herding together like animals and
following the strongest and bravest as leaders. The limit of
this authority would be physical strength, and the name we
should give it would be despotism. But as soon as the idea
of family ties and social relation has arisen amongst such
agglomerations of men, then is born also the idea of kingship,
and then for the first time mankind conceives the notion of
goodness and justice and their reverse.
