justice and might and, for this end, make
what is just strong, or what is strong just.
Justice is subject to dispute; might is easily recognised and is not
disputed. So we cannot give might to justice, because might has gainsaid
justice and has declared that it is she herself who is just. And thus,
being
unable to make what is just strong, we have made what is strong just.
299. The only universal rules are the laws of the country in ordinary
affairs and of the majority in others. Whence comes this? From the might
which is in them. Hence it comes that kings, who have power of a different
kind, do not follow the majority of their ministers.
No doubt equality of goods is just; but, being unable to cause might to
obey
justice, men have made it just to obey might. Unable to strengthen
justice,
they have justified might; so that the just and the strong should unite,
and
there should be peace, which is the sovereign good.
300. "When a strong man armed keepeth his goods, his goods are in peace."
301. Why do we follow the majority? Is it because they have more reason?
No,
because they have more power.
Why do we follow the ancient laws and opinions? Is it because they are
more
sound? No, but because they are unique and remove from us the root of
difference.
302. ... It is the effect of might, not of custom. For those who are
capable
of originality are few; the greater number will only follow and refuse
glory
to those inventors who seek it by their inventions. And if these are
obstinate in their wish to obtain glory and despise those who do not
invent,
the latter will call them ridiculous names and will beat them with a
stick.
Let no one, then, boast of his subtlety, or let him keep his complacency
to
himself.
303. Might is the sovereign of the wo
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