Of Refinement in the Arts (1777) [ Concepts ]
… if prolonged, beget a languor and lethargy, that destroys all enjoyment. Education, custom, and example, have a mighty influence in turning the mind to any of these pursuits; and it must be owned, that, where they promote a relish for … him. But industry, knowledge, and humanity, are not advantageous in private life alone: They diffuse their beneficial influence on the public , and render the government as great and flourishing as they make individuals happy and … The lower house is the support of our popular government; and all the world acknowledges, that it owed its chief influence and consideration to the encrease of commerce, which threw such a balance of property into the hands of the …
Commerce | Refinement | Luxury | Charity | Corruption | Democracy | Disorder | Happiness
Anthology