[From Feudalism to Industrialism: The Role of the Lawyers and Metaphysicians]

The industrial and scientific system was born and has developed under domination of the feudal and theological system. Now, this simple juxtaposition is enough to show that between two such absolutely antipathetic systems a kind of intermediate, indeterminate system had to intervene, destined solely to modify old system so as to permit development of the new system, and subsequently to effect transition. It is one of fundamental ideas which must serve as basis of positive political theory; an idea which more than any other is in need of clarification today, since the vagueness and obscurity which have so far surrounded it have done more than anything else to cause the present confusion and incoherence of political ideas. It would be absolutely unphilosophical not to recognise the utility and remarkable influence of the lawyers and metaphysicians in modifying the feudal and theological system and ensuring that it did not suppress the scientific and industrial system once it began to develop.