The Effects of Civilisation on the People in European States/Section I
THE
EFFECTS OF CIVILISATION
ON THE
MASS OF THE PEOPLE.
SECTION I.
DEFINITION OF CIVILISATION.
We understand by civilisation that manner of living in societies of men, which is opposite to that of those who are called savages; such as are the natives of North America, &c.
It consists in the study and knowledge of the sciences, and in the production and enjoyment of the conveniences, elegancies, and luxuries of life.
It does not seem to arise from any particular constitution of governments, or to be attributable to the administration of them, but to flow from the natural propensities of mankind.