[On the Replacement of Government by Administration]

Hitherto rulers have regarded nations as patrimonies. The essential aim of all their political arrangements has been to exploit or expand these domains. Undoubtedly, this situation has undergone successive modifications, but only modifications; that is, the progress of enlightenment has always reduced governmental action more and more, but it has not yet changed its nature. Nevertheless, on the other hand, a new general principle of politics has been put forward by the governed. The establishment of this principle is undoubtedly a thoroughly capital step towards the organisation of a new political system; but nevertheless this principle cannot, in its present state, have any really important consequence. In the present situation it is acknowledged that the permanent and sole duty of governments is to work for the happiness of society. This is not the place to show in detail what astonishing prosperity society could achieve through such an organisation.