To prefer one future mode of life to another, upon just reasons, requires faculties which it has not pleased our Creator to give us. You see the inhabitants of Norway do not with one consent quit it, and go to some part of America, where there is a mild climate, and where they may have the same produce from land, with the tenth part of the labour. Thus, we see many of the finest spots in the world thinly inhabited, and many rugged spots well inhabited.
Human benevolence is mingled with vanity, interest, or some other motive.
The rod produces an effect which terminates itself. If you haven't read it yet, please read this note of caution regarding quotes from Rasselas. Those who have already all that they can enjoy must enlarge their desires. He that has built for use till use is supplied, must begin to build for vanity, and extend his plan to the utmost power of human performance, that he may not be soon reduced to form another wish. A king, whose power is unlimited, and whose treasures surmount all real and imaginary wants, is compelled to solace, by the erection of a Pyramid, the satiety of dominion and tastelessness of pleasures, and to amuse the tediousness of declining life, by seeing thousands laboring without end, and one stone, for no purpose, laid upon another.