Complete Works of Helvétius

Before he can benefit from them, the peasant must know how to read; and to learn to read, he must be wealthier. He must even be in a position to conduct experiments and purchase new tools. Is he able to do this? If he has the means, will his routine and his prejudices allow him such attempts?

Will it then be the landowners themselves who profit from these observations? But the wealthy landowners who are in a position to conduct experiments on their land all live in Paris; they occupy themselves with other professions and little with agriculture. If they do live in the countryside, it is for a short time; it is more to squeeze the purses of their farmers than to encourage them. One must live in Paris. One has children to place in positions, and protectors to cultivate. It is therefore the form of government that prevents the