The spirit of Columbus, De Gama, Magellan, diffused itself among all the enterprising men of Western Europe.

Society had been hitherto living under the dogma of "loyalty to the king, obedience to the Church." It had therefore been living for others, not for itself.

The political effect of that dogma had culminated in the Crusades.

Countless thousands had perished in wars that could bring them no reward, and of which the result had been conspicuous failure.

Experience had revealed the fact that the only gainers were the pontiffs, cardinals, and other ecclesiastics in Rome, and the shipmasters of Venice.