The application of these principles to the given situation in France
in 1770 would obviously have produced unwelcome results. Holbach's
theory was that religion was worse than useless in that it had
inculcated false and pernicious ideas in politics and morals. He
would do away completely with it in the interest of putting these
sciences on a natural basis. This basis is self-interest, or man's
inevitable inclination toward survival and the highest degree of
well-being, "L'objet de la morale est de faire connaitre aux hommes
que leur plus grand interet exige qu'ils pratiquent la vertu; le but
du gouvernement doit etre de la leur faire pratiquer."

Government then assumes the functions of moral restraint
formally delegated to religion; and punishments render virtue
attractive and vice repugnant. Holbach's theory of social
organization is practically that of Aristotle. Men combine in order
to increase the store of individual well-being, to live the good
life. If those to whom society has delegated sovereignty abuse
their power, society has the right to take it from them. Sovereignty
is merely an agent for the diffusion of truth and the maintenance
of virtue, which are the prerequisites of social and individual
well-being. The technique of progress is enlightenment and good laws.

Nothing could be clearer or simpler than Holbach's system. As
Diderot so truly said, he will not be quoted on both sides of any
question. His uncompromising atheism is the very heart and core
of his system and clarifies the whole situation. All supernatural
ideas are to be abandoned. Experience and reason are once for all
made supreme, and henceforth refuse to share their throne or abdicate
in favor of faith. Holbach's aim was as he said to bring man back to