Having shown the grave consequence that lies beneath it, we come now to
the all-important consideration, whether our own social state has this
mechanical tendency. The preceding sketch not only shows the truth which
we have deduced from it, that this tendency is a prelude to a nation's
death, but it also points out another, namely, that civilization
contains within itself certain causes which finally work its
destruction. We may, by a diligent study, find out these causes, such
as increase of outward knowledge, division of labor, a complexity of
outward relations, and a consequent hurried life that leaves no time for
thought; but a careful analysis of all these reduces them to one great
cause--an undue attention to physical prosperity. This cause existed
among ancient nations in sufficient force to bring about their
destruction, but it possessed not a tithe of the universality and
strength which it holds among the modern, for, whereas it was once
individual, it is now national, pervading every part of the social
state.
Before the world was thickly settled and the nations established, it was
held that the power of a nation consisted in the extent of its
dominions, so that while the individual strove for wealth in
agriculture, manufactures, or commerce, the state despised such low
pursuits, and turned its attention to increase of territory.
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