“ In the most opulent and civilized nations, age regulates rank among those who are in every other respect equal ”
Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations (1776). copy citation
Author | Adam Smith |
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Source | The Wealth of Nations |
Topic | age respect |
Date | 1776 |
Language | English |
Reference | An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations |
Note | |
Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/3300/3300-h/3300-h.htm |
Context
“Among nations of hunters, such as the native tribes of North America, age is the sole foundation of rank and precedency. Among them, father is the appellation of a superior; brother, of an equal; and son, of an inferior. In the most opulent and civilized nations, age regulates rank among those who are in every other respect equal; and among whom, therefore, there is nothing else to regulate it. Among brothers and among sisters, the eldest always takes place; and in the succession of the paternal estate, every thing which cannot be divided, but must go entire to one person, such as a title of honour, is in most cases given to the eldest.”
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