The consent of mankind is an indication of Nature; not, as Cicero says, a law of Nature.

Under the indication is hidden the truth, which faith can believe, but only thought can know.

Such has been the constant progress of the human mind in regard to physical phenomena and the creations of genius: how can it be otherwise with the facts of conscience and the rules of human conduct?
% 4 .-- Labor--That Labor Has No Inherent Power to Appropriate Natural Wealth.
We shall show by the maxims of political economy and law, that is, by the authorities recognized by property,-- 1.

That labor has no inherent power to appropriate natural wealth.
2.

That, if we admit that labor has this power, we are led directly to equality of property,--whatever the kind of labor, however scarce the product, or unequal the ability of the laborers.
3.