The first man who, having enclosed a piece of ground, bethought himself of saying, _This is mine_, and found people simple enough to believe him, was the real founder of civil society. From how many crimes, wars and murders, from how many horrors and misfortunes might not any one have saved mankind, by pulling up the stakes, or filling up the ditch, and crying to his fellows, "Beware of listening to this impostor; you are undone if you once forget that the fruits of the earth belong to us all, and the earth itself to nobody." Radicalism BY CONFUCIUS (Chinese philosopher, B.C. 500) Things have their root and their completion. It cannot be that when the root is neglected, what springs from it will be well ordered. Seeking Causes BY PLATO (Greek philosopher and poet, B.C. 428-347) Neither drugs nor charms nor burnings will touch a deep-lying political sore any more than a deep bodily one; but only right and utter change of constitution; and they do but lose their labor who think that by any tricks of law they can get the better of those mischiefs of commerce, and see not that they hew at a hydra. Concerning Usury[A] [A] As used in the Bible, and other ancient writings, the word usury means, not excessive interest-taking, but all interest-taking whatever. (_From "The Koran"_) (Arabic, A.D. 600) To him who is of kin to thee give his due, and to the poor and to the wayfarer: this will be best for those who seek the face of God; and with them it shall be well. Whatever ye put out at usury to increase it with the substance of others shall have no increase from God: but whatever ye shall give in alms, as seeking the face of God, shall be doubled to you. (_From the Psalms_) (Hebrew, B.C. 200) Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.... He that putteth his money not out to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. BY ARISTOTLE (Greek philosopher, B.C. Fourth Century) Usury is the most reasonably detested of all forms of money-making; it is most against nature. (_From "Essay on Riches"_) BY FRANCIS BACON, LORD VERULAM (English philosopher and statesman, 1561-1626) The ways to enrich are many, and most of them foul.... Usury is the certainest means of gain, though one of the worst; as that whereby a man doth eat his bread with sweat of another's face, and besides, doth plough upon Sundays. Solidarity BY MARCUS AURELIUS (Roman emperor, A.D. 121-180)