Preface

A horizontal decorative woodcut ornament with a central rosette and symmetrical leafy scrolls.

If it is true that nature has intended man for a social, rational, and moral life; if, without this social union to fulfill our destiny The German term "Bestimmung" refers to one’s purpose, calling, or intended destination in life. and to promote mutual happiness original: "Glückseligkeit," a key Enlightenment concept referring to a state of flourishing and well-being., our condition would rise little above that of the irrational animals; if, therefore, domestic bonds, civic relationships, the sciences, and finally the fulfillment of our obligations and our influence on the rest of the world, of which we are a part—

In short! If love, friendship, civic duty, wisdom, sociability, morality, and religion are the greatest objects of human attention, then everything that can bring about a revolution In this context, "Revolution" refers to a fundamental transformation or radical change in these core aspects of human existence. in any of these matters must also be of the utmost importance to every citizen of the world Weltbürger (Citizen of the world): An Enlightenment ideal of someone who identifies as a member of the human race rather than just a specific nation..

Almost all the peoples of the earth have laws, state constitutions, systems, and institutions that are modified by great events, managed by certain people, and—following the course of the world—improved, worsened, or altered; and a good citizen contributes as much as his mind, heart, and circumstances allow, in his own age