"My purpose in this work is the application of method to the
problems of philosophy; every other intention is foreign to and
even abusive of it.

"I have spoken lightly of jurisprudence: I had the right; but I
should be unjust did I not distinguish between this pretended
science and the men who practise it. Devoted to studies both
laborious and severe, entitled in all respects to the esteem of
their fellow-citizens by their knowledge and eloquence our
legists deserve but one reproach, that of an excessive deference
to arbitrary laws.

"I have been pitiless in my criticism of the economists: for them
I confess that, in general, I have no liking. The arrogance and
the emptiness of their writings, their impertinent pride and
their unwarranted blunders, have disgusted me. Whoever, knowing
them, pardons them, may read them.

"I have severely blamed the learned Christian Church: it was my
duty. This blame results from the facts which I call attention
to: why has the Church decreed concerning things which it does
not understand? The Church has erred in dogma and in morals;
physics and mathematics testify against her. It may be wrong for
me to say it, but surely it is unfortunate for Christianity that
it is true. To restore religion, gentlemen, it is necessary to
condemn the Church.

"Perhaps you will regret, gentlemen, that, in giving all my
attention to method and evidence, I have too much neglected form
and style: in vain should I have tried to do better. Literary