Book VII.
Chap. 1.added, in this progression, 0, 1, 3, 7, 15, 31, 63, 127.
In Plato s republic[1], luxury might have been exactly calculated. There were four sorts of Census's, or rates of estates. The first was exactly the term beyond poverty, the second was double, the third triple, the fourth quadruple to the first. In the first Census luxury was equal to a cypher; in the second to one, in the third to two, in the fourth to three; and thus it followed in an arithmetical proportion.
Considering the luxury of different nations with respect to one another, it is in each state in a compound proportion to the inequality of the subjects fortunes, and to the inequality of the wealth of the different states. In Poland, for example, there is an extreme inequality of fortunes; but the poverty of the whole hinders them from having so much luxury as in a more opulent state.
Luxury is also in proportion to the populousness of the towns, and especially of the capital; so that it is in a compound proportion to the riches of the state, to the inequality of private fortunes, and to the number of people fettled in particular places.
In proportion to the populousness of towns, the inhabitants are filled with vain notions, and actuated by an ambition of distinguishing themselves by trifles[2]. If they are very numerous, and most of them strangers to one another, the passion of dis-
- ↑ The first Census was the hereditary share in land, and Plato would not allow them to have in other effects above a triple of the hereditary share. See his Laws, book 5.
- ↑ In a great city, says the author of the Fable of the Bees, tom. 1. p. 133. they dress above their condition, in order to be esteemed more than what they really are by the multitude. This to a weak person is almost as great a pleasure as the accomplishment of his desires.
