Natural Codex - Abbreviated Color Illustrated Edition

Author: Morelly
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: The true spirit of natural law, which has long been ignored or denied. The central theme of Morelly's thought system is the "Theory of Natural Core." His worldview is based on a rational deistic worldview (i.e., rationalism), believing that the world was created by a "Architect" who has always been concerned with the fate of his creation. In Morelly's view, "God" is the principle of all existing things. The existence and structure of the world, as well as human nature and abilities, are sufficient to prove the existence of the "God" he refers to. In this book, Morelly exposes the flaws of politics and morality in his time and elucidates the ideas of a future ideal society. At the same time, he also drafted a systematic "code in accordance with the natural intent" for the future ideal society. Morelly believes that human society, like nature, exists an unchanging "natural law." However, for thousands of years, most laws formulated and enacted have completely ignored these important and precious truths, instead creating laws that suit the existence of private property, thereby opening the door to the evils of human society. The task of reason lies in examining and analyzing the process of these phenomena, seeking the laws of nature, and concentrating, organizing, and making them coherent into laws. The 18th century was an age of enlightenment, unconditionally inheriting the thoughts and cultural heritage of the rational 17th century: a series of sciences, ideas, and research methods, along with a "truly existing" God—the creator and ultimate guarantor of cosmic order. In England, deists pioneered an "unprecedentedly bold century," where people questioned all dogmas and accepted views. This made French enlightenment thinkers oscillate between God and nature, yearning to discover a simple law—a final truth that summarizes all phenomena. The Code of Nature is one of the "simple laws" Morelly discovered. Morelly, a key figure in the 18th-century French enlightenment movement, was one of the pioneers of the French encyclopedia school and also one of the most mysterious names in French literary history. His birth and death years are unknown. Between 1743 and 1755, he published six works on philosophy, politics, and sociology. Because the first few were published anonymously and only in 1753 did he sign his own name (for the first time) when publishing Baziliada, many still believed that "Morelly" was the pseudonym of Diderot. In 1755, Morelly published his most important work, The Code of Nature, and thus became one of the most insightful social thinkers of the time. The Code of Nature, apart from the preface, consists of four main chapters and two appendices. In the first three chapters, Morelly exposes the flaws of existing politics and morality and elucidates the ideas of a future ideal society. The fourth chapter presents a systematic "code in accordance with the natural intent" for the future ideal society, a draft that lays out clear legal provisions for the political, economic, legal, administrative, social, municipal, family, ideological, cultural, scientific, educational, and lifestyle aspects of the future society. The book criticizes private property, arguing that its establishment deprives the majority of happiness, creates economic and political inequality, leads to the decline of social morality and various vices, and gives rise to class privileges, autocratic tyranny, and unreasonable laws. Morelly believes that human society, like nature, exists an unchanging "natural law." However, for thousands of years, most lawmakers have completely ignored these important and precious truths, enacting laws that protect private property and thus opening the door to all evils. The task of reason is to seek the laws of nature through the examination and analysis of these phenomena, organize and make them coherent into laws, and provide clear stipulations. In 18th-century France, critics of society and government would not face prolonged and cruel persecution, and the foolish and evil phenomena caused by the indolent and indecisive reign of Louis XV naturally drew fierce attacks from thinkers. At the same time, it also provided a perfect environment for Morelly and others to think about the natural order established by God to legislate for humanity, thereby regulating human order. The birth of The Code of Nature provided a beautiful legal blueprint for social forms and gradually had a huge impact on the modern and contemporary social structures of humanity. For this reason, The Code of Nature was included in the list of "Cultural Forces: 100 Books That Have Influenced Humanity." Morelly's thought system is centered on the "Theory of Natural Core." His worldview is based on a rational deistic worldview (i.e., rationalism), believing that the world was created by a "Architect" who has always been concerned with the fate of his creation. In Morelly's view, "God" is the principle of all existing things. The existence and structure of the world, as well as human nature and abilities, are sufficient to prove the existence of the "God" he refers to. In this book, Morelly exposes the flaws of politics and morality in his time and elucidates the ideas of a future ideal society. At the same time, he also drafted a systematic "code in accordance with the natural intent" for the future ideal society. Morelly believes that human society, like nature, exists an unchanging "natural law." However, for thousands of years, most lawmakers have completely ignored these important and precious truths, enacting laws that protect private property and thus opening the door to all evils. The task of reason is to seek the laws of nature through the examination and analysis of these phenomena, organize and make them coherent into laws.