Special associations, specific groups,
collateral corporations are not wanted, even to fulfill functions
which the State is incapable of fulfilling. "As soon as one enters
a corporation," says and orator, "one must love it as one loves a
family;"[49] whereas the affections and obedience are all to be
monopolized by the State. Moreover, on entering into an order a man
receives special aid and comfort from it, and whatever distinguishes
one man from another, is opposed to civil equality. Hence, if men
are to remain equal and become citizens they must be deprived of
every rallying point that might compete with that of the State, and
give to some an advantage over others. All natural or acquired
ties, consequently, which bound men together through geographical
position, through climate, history, pursuits, and trade, are
sundered. The old provinces, the old provincial governments, the
old municipal administrations, parliaments, guilds and masterships,
all are suppressed. The groups which spring up most naturally, those
which arise through a community of interests, are all dispersed, and
the broadest, most express, and most positive interdictions are
promulgated against their revival under any pretext whatever.
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