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Full Idea
When we consider how nearly equal all men are in their bodily force, and even in their mental powers and faculties, till cultivated by education, ...then nothing but their own consent could at first associate them together, and subject them to authority.
Gist of Idea
People must have agreed to authority, because they are naturally equal, prior to education
Source
David Hume (Of the original contract [1741], p.276)
Book Ref
Hume,David: 'Selected Essays' [OUP 1996], p.276
A Reaction
This doesn't sound very convincing. Some people are much better suited than others to training and education. Men vary enormously in size.
| 19865 | There is no subjection in nature, and all creatures of the same species are equal [Locke] |
| 21099 | People must have agreed to authority, because they are naturally equal, prior to education [Hume] |
| 19772 | In a state of nature people are much more equal; it is society which increases inequalities [Rousseau] |
| 19789 | It is against nature for children to rule old men, fools to rule the wise, and the rich to hog resources [Rousseau] |
| 20565 | Men are created equal, and with certain inalienable rights [Jefferson] |