Upon this statement two observations are to be made. First, this inequality was in its origin infinitely less than it is at present. In the uncultivated state of man, the understandings of all were limited, their wants, their ideas and their views nearly upon a level. Secondly, Notwithstanding the encroachments that have been made upon the equality of mankind, a great and substantial equality remains. There is no such disparity among the human race as to enable one man to hold several other men in subjection, except so far as they are willing to be subject.
All government is founded in opinion.
Men at present live under any particular form because they conceive it their interest to do so. Destroy this opinion, and the fabric which is built upon it falls to the ground. It follows therefore that all men are essentially independent. So much for the physical equality. The moral equality is still less open to reasonable exception.