In every commercial state, notwithstanding any pretension to equal rights, the exaltation of a few must depress the many.
"Adam Ferguson" FRSE also known as "Ferguson of Raith" (20 June 1723 (Old Style/O.S.) (1 July, N.S.) – 22 February 1816) was a Scottish philosopher and historian of the Scottish Enlightenment. Ferguson was sympathetic to traditional societies, such as the Highlands, for producing courage and loyalty. He criticized commercial society as making men weak, dishonourable and unconcerned for their community. Ferguson has been called "the father of modern sociology." His most well known work is his Essay on the History of Civil Society.
If you enjoy these quotes, be sure to check out other famous philosophers! More Adam Ferguson on Wikipedia.Every step and every movement of the multitude, even in what are termed enlightened ages, are made with equal blindness to the future; and nations stumble upon establishments, which are indeed the result of human action, but not the execution of any human design.
The artist finds, that the more he can confine his attention to a particular part of any work, his productions are the more perfect, and grow under his hands in the greater quantities.
The history of mankind is confined within a limited period, and from every quarter brings an intimation that human affairs have had a beginning.
To overawe, or intimidate, or, when we cannot persuade with reason, to resist with fortitude, are the occupations which give its most animating exercise, and its greatest triumphs, to a vigorous mind; and he who has never struggled with his fellow-creatures, is a stranger to half the sentiments of mankind.
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