more2-9-第6章
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others; and would not be satisfied with being thought a goddess;
if none were left that were miserable; over whom she might insult。
Pride thinks its own happiness shines the brighter by comparing it
with the misfortunes of other persons; that by displaying its own
wealth; they may feel their poverty the more sensibly。 This is
that infernal serpent that creeps into the breasts of mortals; and
possesses them too much to be easily drawn out; and therefore I am
glad that the Utopians have fallen upon this form of government;
in which I wish that all the world could be so wise as to imitate
them; for they have indeed laid down such a scheme and foundation
of policy; that as men live happily under it; so it is like to be
of great continuance; for they having rooted out of the minds of
their people all the seeds both of ambition and faction; there is
no danger of any commotion at home; which alone has been the ruin
of many States that seemed otherwise to be well secured; but as
long as they live in peace at home; and are governed by such good
laws; the envy of all their neighboring princes; who have often
though in vain attempted their ruin; will never be able to put
their State into any commotion or disorder。
When Raphael had thus made an end of speaking; though many things
occurred to me; both concerning the manners and laws of that
people; that seemed very absurd; as well in their way of making
war; as in their notions of religion and divine matters; together
with several other particulars; but chiefly what seemed the
foundation of all the rest; their living in common; without the
use of money; by which all nobility; magnificence; splendor; and
majesty; which; according to the common opinion; are the true
ornaments of a nation; would be quite taken away;yet since I
perceived that Raphael was weary; and was not sure whether he
could easily bear contradiction; remembering that he had taken
notice of some who seemed to think they were bound in honor to
support the credit of their own wisdom; by finding out something
to censure in all other men's inventions; besides their own; I
only commended their constitution; and the account he had given of
it in general; and so taking him by the hand; carried him to
supper; and told him I would find out some other time for
examining this subject more particularly; and for discoursing more
copiously upon it; and indeed I shall be glad to embrace an
opportunity of doing it。 In the meanwhile; though it must be
confessed that he is both a very learned man; and a person who has
obtained a great knowledge of the world; I cannot perfectly agree
to everything he has related; however; there are many things in
the Commonwealth of Utopia that I rather wish; than hope; to see
followed in our governments。
The End