But, Sir, as subordination is very necessary for society, and contentions for superiority very dangerous, mankind, that is to say, all civilized nations, have settled it upon a plan invariable in principle.
Subordination tends greatly to human happiness.
Were we all upon an equality, we should have no other enjoyment than mere animal pleasure. I said, I considered distinction of rank to be of so much importance in civilized society, that if I were asked on the same day to dine with the first Duke in England, and with the first man in Britain for genius, I should hesitate which to prefer. One day when I was at her house, I put on a very grave countenance, and said to her, 'Madam, I am now become a convert to your way of thinking. I thus, Sir, shewed her the absurdity of the levelling doctrine. She has never liked me since.