The Growth of Thought as Affecting the Progress of Society

An examination of how the growth of human thought influences social progress, arguing that the proper management of self-interest underpins public welfare. The work opens by defining life and the moral problem of self-love, then critiques political economy for its limited, present-focused aims and traces institutional reforms and republican ideals as slow correctives. It next presents philosophy as an educator that refines self-interest by revealing common human ties and enlarging prudence. Finally, it contends that religion supplies what philosophy and politics lack by affirming duty, immortality, and higher motives, and concludes with practical suggestions for religious leaders.