BOOK V Of Legislative and Executive Power CHAPTER X OF HEREDITARY DISTINCTION Birth considered as a physical cause - as a moral cause. - Education of the great. - Recapitu- altion A PRINCIPLE deeply interwoven with both monarchy and aristocracy in their most flourishing state, but most deeply with the latter, is that of hereditary preeminence. No principle can present a deeper insult upon reason and justice. Examine the new-born son of a peer, and of a mechanic, Has nature designated in different lineaments their future fortune? Is one of them born with callous hands and an ungainly form? Can you trace in the other the early promise of genius and understanding, of virtue and honor? We have been told indeed 'that nature will break out',1and that The eaglet of a valiant nest will quickly tower Up to the region of his fire;1 and the tale was once be...