BOOK II PART III
like principles; and our reason in the latter
case, is better than even that in the former; be-
cause we not only observe, that men always
seek society, but can also explain the principles,
on which this universal propensity is founded.
For is it more certain, that two flat pieces of
marble will unite together, than that two young
savages of different sexes will copulate? Do
the children arise from this copulation more
uniformly, than does the parents care for their
safety and preservation? And after they have
arrived at years of discretion by the care of their
parents, are the inconveniencies attending their
separation more certain than their foresight of
these inconveniencies and their care of avoid-
ing them by a close union and confederacy?
The skin, pores, muscles, and nerves of a
day-labourer are different from those of a man