ABSTRACT
Men engaged in industry, whose association forms the true society, have only one need: liberty. Liberty for them is to be unrestricted in productive work, to be allowed free enjoyment of what they produce. The man who works overcomes his laziness only because his needs have to be fulfilled, or through his desire for pleasure. The workers are thus liable to see themselves deprived of the pleasure which is the aim of their labour. The aim of this labour is to prevent the violence with which idleness threatens industry. Direct relations should be established between industry and men of letters. In short, there should be established, besides the favour and protection of power, a national protection and power. Industry wants to be governed as little as possible, while the rulers inevitably want to govern as much as possible. Industry wants to pay as little as possible, while the rulers want to obtain as much money as possible from industry.
