On Politics Part Five — Civilization and its Discontents

As stated above, this essay attempts no novel scheme. If the reader notices the parallel between the statement that it is a self evident truth that governments are instituted among men to secure to themselves their natural right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, and statement that the primary passions and interests which incline men to civilization are love of life, of the good life, and of domestic life, the parallel is no coincidence.

To recapitulate: we know from the nature of reason that man is a rational animal possessed of free will. We know from even the most cursory examination of human nature that we live in a world of mortal danger and natural scarcity, and that we are political, bisexual and altracial creatures who naturally form families and tribes both to alleviate the scarcity of nature, and to prey on each other without mercy.

We know that in the absence of law and civilization, force and fraud will prevail, and the desire for life and liberty and domesticity impels men to create and uphold laws and customs to maintain civilization.

The primary purpose of law is to render men secure in their property and contracts, to secure their liberty, and to discourage the vice and unchastity which threatens marriage.

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Originally published at John C. Wright's Journal. Please leave any comments there.