3.7. 7. Of the Principle of Monarchy.
A monarchical government supposes, as we have already observed,
pre-eminences and ranks, as likewise a noble descent. Now since it is
the nature of honour to aspire to preferments and titles, it is properly
placed in this government.
Ambition is pernicious in a republic. But in a monarchy it has some
good effects; it gives life to the government, and is attended with this
advantage, that it is in no way dangerous, because it may be continually
checked.
It is with this kind of government as with the system of the
universe, in which there is a power that constantly repels all bodies
from the centre, and a power of gravitation that attracts them to it.
Honour sets all the parts of the body politic in motion, and by its very
action connects them; thus each individual advances the public good,
while he only thinks of promoting his own interest.
True it is that, philosophically speaking, it is a false honour
which moves all the parts of the government; but even this false honour
is as useful to the public as true honour could possibly be to private
persons.
Is it not very exacting to oblige men to perform the most difficult
actions, such as require an extraordinary exertion of fortitude and
resolution, without other recompense than that of glory and applause?
