Which treats of the origin and nature of civil society, of sovereignty in general, of its peculiar characteristic, limitations, and essential parts. Containing a few general and preliminary reflections, which serve as an introduction to this and the following parts. We must now treat of civil society, or the body politic, which is deservedly esteemed the completest of societies, and to which the name of State has been given by way of preference. For this purpose we shall repeat here the substance of some principles, established in the preceding volume, and we shall give a further explication of others relative to this subject.
Human society is originally and in itself a state of equality and independence.
The institution of sovereignty destroys this independence. This institution does not subvert natural society. On the contrary it contributes to strengthen and cement it. To enter into this subject we must observe, that the natural state of nations, with respect to each other, is that of society and peace. This society is likewise a state of equality and independence, which establishes between them a right of equality, by which they are obliged to have the same regard for each other.