ChapterTwoBookOne95

The second objection that one could raise with regard to the regulations that I propose to (364) facilitate and ensure the highest degree of wealth for everyone, which are superfluities, by ridding the people’s mind of a fear and very common apprehension of the future, is that this fear will always exist, even if my measures were carried out to the letter because people everywhere are so strongly warned of the inconstancy of princes and their councils that they will never believe that their establishments can be long-lasting, and therefore, they will always like to keep their superfluous grains and money in a way that is harmful to public opulence. I respond that I believe that, in spite of this prejudice that is so rooted in the people’s minds, the establishments (365) of princes are subject to change every day. The prince will be able to take such just measures that, after they are carried out, neither he nor his successors will be able to change them without toppling the entire economy of the state. I will talk more about this in a separate chapter.

As for grains, I am sure that the establishment I have just proposed can be stable. Grains cannot be stored for long and are a commodity that cannot be easily transported elsewhere. But the prince and his ministers are more likely to be tempted to divert money from a use that is suitable to increasing the state’s wealth. That is why, after the public funds (366) are established for the purpose of preventing individuals from keeping their superfluous money improperly, I would like the prince to no longer interfere with it at all. And having proposed for the reliability and preservation of public credit that all the wealthy and notable figures of the country should get involved in the administration of the public monies and answer for them in their own and private name after having placed their own funds there and that everyone could withdraw his money when he sees fit and have other privileges noted above, I hope there will be nothing more to fear on this subject: in any case one could still add assurances that are so solid mistrust itself would no longer find fault with it. (367)