Of Refinement in the Arts (1777) [ Concepts ]
… the Venetian aristocracy was jealous of its subjects, the Florentine democracy applied itself entirely to commerce; Rome was governed by priests, and Naples by women. War then became the business of soldiers of fortune, who spared one … What has chiefly induced severe moralists to declaim against refinement in the arts, is the example of ancient Rome, which, joining, to its poverty and rusticity, virtue and public spirit, rose to such a surprizing height of …
Commerce | Refinement | Luxury | Charity | Corruption | Democracy | Disorder | Happiness
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