An eAddress

g

leisure is school, that is the opportunity and
time for real education, will exactly fit. And it
implies the best meaning of the word education ;
it also explains why leisure is so highly esteemed.
Rousseau—who had a good heart and philanthropic
 intentions—considered, as you know, that
primaeval society was a blissful and golden age,
when every one was contented and happy. He
thought that the simplest conditions of life were
the best, and he draws a very attractive picture
of a community in Switzerland who lived as he
approved, occupying all their leisure in the arts.
‘ Most delightful to see (he says) and probably
unique on the earth. A whole mountain covered
with dwelling-houses, of which each one was the
centre of a plot of ground that belonged to it, so
disposed that the equal distances between the
houses showed the moderation and equality of
the properties, which gave the numerous inhabitants
 of these comfortable homes the conveniences
of mutual intercourse. These happy peasants,
who lived at their ease, free from taxes and imposts,
 cultivated their lands with all possible care
and skill, and lived on the natural produce:

AD