825. Are there any positions in life in which a man may flatter himself that he enjoys absolute freedom?

"No, because all of you, the greatest as well as the least, have need of one another."

826. In what condition of life could a man enjoy absolute freedom?

"That of a hermit in a desert. As soon as two men find themselves together, they have reciprocal rights and duties to respect, and are, therefore, no longer absolutely free."

827. Does the duty of respecting the rights of others deprive a man of the right of belonging to himself?

"In nowise; for he holds that right from nature."

828. How can we reconcile the liberal opinions professed by some persons with the despotism they themselves sometimes exercise in their own houses, and among their subordinates?

"Their intelligence is aware of the law of nature, but this perception is counterbalanced by their pride and selfishness. When their profession of liberal principles is not hypocrisy, they know what ought to be done, but do it not."

- Will their profession of liberal principles, in the earthly life, be of any avail to such persons in the other life?

"The more clearly a principle is understood by the intellect, the more inexcusable is the neglect to put it into practice. He who is sincere, though simple, is farther advanced on the divine road than he who tries to appear what he is not."