Page:A discourse upon the origin and foundation of the inequality among mankind (IA discourseuponori00rous).pdf/141

the Animal that labours under it. Now it is evident that this Identification muſt have been infinitely more perfect in the State of Nature, than in the State of Reaſon. It is Reaſon that engenders Self-love, and Reflection that ſtrengthens it; it is Reaſon that makes Man ſhrink into himſelf; it is Reaſon that makes him keep aloof from every thing that can trouble or afflict him: it is Philoſophy that deſtroys his Connections with other Men; it is in conſequence of her Dictates that he mutters to himſelf at the ſight of another in Diſtreſs, You may periſh for aught I care, nothing can hurt me. Nothing leſs than thoſe Evils, which threaten the whole Species, can disturb the calm Sleep of the Philoſopher, and force him from his Bed. One Man may with Impunity murder another under his Windows; he has nothing to do but clap his Hands to his Ears, argue a little with himſelf to hinder Nature, that ſtartles