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each one for himself is the centre of the universe. My right
over them extends only as far as my power. What I can do
is the only limit of what I may do. Because we are gregari-
ous we live in society, and society holds together by means
of force, force of arms (that is the policeman) and force of
public opinion (that is Mrs. Grundy). You have society on
one hand and the individual on the other: each is an organ-
ism striving for self-preservation. It is might against might.
I stand alone, bound to accept society and not unwilling,
since in return for the taxes I pay it protects me, a weak-
ling, against the tyranny of another stronger than I am; but
I submit to its laws because I must; I do not acknowledge
their justice: I do not know justice, I only know power. And
when I have paid for the policeman who protects me and,
if I live in a country where conscription is in force, served
in the army which guards my house and land from the in-
vader, I am quits with society: for the rest I counter its might
with my wiliness. It makes laws for its self-preservation, and
if I break them it imprisons or kills me: it has the might to
do so and therefore the right. If I break the laws I will ac-
cept the vengeance of the state, but I will not regard it as
punishment nor shall I feel myself convicted of wrong-do-
ing. Society tempts me to its service by honours and riches
and the good opinion of my fellows; but I am indifferent to
their good opinion, I despise honours and I can do very well
without riches.’
‘But if everyone thought like you things would go to piec-
es at once.’
‘I have nothing to do with others, I am only concerned

0 Of Human Bondage