This countersign, new in history, has a singular advantage over all preceding ones: each individual being respected, each can develop himself according to his nature; he can accordingly invent in every sense, bring forth every sort of production and be useful to himself and others in every way, thus enabling society to develop indefinitely.] [Footnote 2214: Taine is probably speaking of the colonial wars in China and the conquest of Madagascar.

(SR).] [Footnote 2215: Here Taine is seeing mankind as being male, strong and hardy; however I feel that liberty is more desirable for the strong and confident while the child, the lost, the sick, the ignorant or feeble person is looking for protection, reassurance and guidance.

When society consisted of strong independent farmers, hunters, warriors, nomads or artisans backed by family and clan, liberty was an important idea.

Today few if any can rise above the horde and gain the insights, the wisdom and the competence which once was such a common thing.

Today the strong seek promotion inside the hierarchy of the welfare state rest-house.
(S.R.)] [Footnote 2216: This is just what Lenin could not believe when he read this around 1906.