Questions
1. What were the "false systems," the "errors," and the "evils" to which Metternich refers in paragraphs 4 and 5?
2. What were the principal causes of the collapse of legitimate in the face of revolution?
3. Which type of government does he have in mind when he refers to governments that are "still free" in paragraph 10?
4. What role is a monarch to play in government?
5. What action is to be taken to prevent the "revolutionary seed" from erupting once again?
The Source of the Evil
[1] Man's nature is immutable. The first needs of society are and remain the same, and the differences which they seem to offer find their explanation in the diversity of influences, acting on the different races by natural causes, such as the diversity of climate, barrenness or richness of soil, insular or continental position, &c. &c. These local differences no doubt produce effects which extend far beyond purely physical necessities; they create and determine particular needs in a more elevated sphere; finally, they determine the laws, and exercise an influence even on religions.