Decorative floral ornaments flank the page number. A decorative horizontal rule consisting of repeating floral motifs divides the top section.

CHAPITRE III.

Du Droit du plus fort. On the Right of the Strongest.

THE strongest is never strong enough to be always the master, unless he transforms his force into right, and obedience into duty. Hence the right of the strongest; a right taken ironically in appearance and really established as a principle: But will this term never be explained to us? Force is a physical power; I do not see what morality can result from its effects. To yield to force is an act of necessity, not of will; it is at most an act of prudence. In what sense could it be a duty?

Let us suppose for a moment this alleged right. I say that it results in nothing but