Why then continually interject fraternity, charity, sacrifice,
and God into the discussion of economic questions? May it not be
that the utopists find it easier to expatiate upon these grand
words than to seriously study social manifestations?
Fraternity! Brothers as much as you please, provided I am the
big brother and you the little; provided society, our common
mother, honors my primogeniture and my services by doubling my
portion. You will provide for my wants, you say, in proportion
to your resources. I intend, on the contrary, that such
provision shall be in proportion to my labor; if not, I cease to
labor.
Charity! I deny charity; it is mysticism. In vain do you talk
to me of fraternity and love: I remain convinced that you love me
but little, and I feel very sure that I do not love you. Your
friendship is but a feint, and, if you love me, it is from
self-interest. I ask all that my products cost me, and only what
they cost me: why do you refuse me?
Sacrifice! I deny sacrifice; it is mysticism.
Pages:
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462