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THIRD BOOK
177

now plenty of backsliders and unreclaimed ones. For the present they are gathered in larger numbers in the socialist camps than elsewhere. Should it happen that they will have to give Iaws, we may depend upon it that they will lay themselves in iron chains and practise a savage discipline—they know one another!—and they will submit to these laws in the consciousness of having themselves established them. The sense of power, of this power, is too fresh and too delightful for them not to make them suffer anything for its sake.

185

Beggars.—We ought to do away with beggars, for we are sorry both when we relieve them and when we do not relieve them.

186

Business-men.—Your business is your greatest prejudice, it ties you to your loyalty, your society, your inclinations. Diligent in business, but lazy in intellect, content with your inadequacy and with the cloak of duty covering this contentment; so you live, so you like to see your children.

187

Of a possible future.—Can we not imagine an evil-doer denouncing himself, and publicly dictating his own punishment, in the proud consciousness of thus respecting the

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