Page:An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals - Hume (1751).djvu/258

 observe, that as the Difference betwixt War and Peace is the greatest, that arises among Nations and public Societies, it produces also the greatest Variations in moral Sentiment, and diversifies the most our Idea of Virtue and personal Merit.

too, Magnanimity, Greatness of Mind, Disdain of Slavery, inflexible Rigour and Integrity may suit better the Circumstances of one Age than those of another, and have a more kindly Influence, both on public Affairs, and on a Man's own Safety and Advancement. Our Idea of Merit, therefore, will also vary a little with these Variations; and Labeo, perhaps, be censur'd for the same Qualities, which procur'd Cato the highest Approbation.

of Luxury may be ruinous and pernicious in a Native of Switzerland, which only fosters the Arts, and encourages Industry in a Frenchman or Englishman. We are not, therefore, to expect, either the same Sentiment, or the same Laws in Berne, that prevail in London or Paris.

Customs have also some Influence, as well as different Utilities; and by giving an early Biass to the Mind, may produce a superior Propensity, either to the useful or the agreeable Qualities; to