He sees the folly of generalizing easily upon the state of nature.

He insists, probably after conversation with Adam Smith, upon the social value of the division of functions.

He does not doubt the original equality of men.

He thinks the luxury of his age has reached the limit of its useful growth.

Property he traces back to a parental desire to make a better provision for children "than is found under the promiscuous management of many copartners." Climate has the new importance upon which Montesquieu has insisted; or, at least, as it "ripens the pineapple and the tamarina," so it "inspires a degree of mildness that can even assuage the rigours of despotical government." The priesthood--this is Hume--becomes a separate influence under the sway of superstition.