Thus it is plain that men are not born equal, either physically, intellectually, or socially.

I do not know how my American friends account for this undoubted fact, but the Chinese doctrine of previous lives, of which the present are but the continuation, seems to afford a satisfactory explanation.
However, this doctrine of equality and independence has done immense good.

It has, as a rule, caused men to think independently, and not to servilely follow the thoughts and ideas of others, who may be quite wrong.

It has encouraged invention, and new discoveries in science and art.

It has enabled men to develop industries and to expand trade.
New York and Chicago, for example, could not have become such huge and prosperous cities within comparatively short periods, but for their free and wise institutions.