First Memoir on Pauperism, First Part, Post 14

Let us not indulge in dangerous illusions, let us look at the future of modern societies calmly and with tranquillity.  Let us not allow ourselves to be carried away by the vision of its grandeur; let us not get discouraged by the sight of its miseries.  Inasmuch as the development of civilization will continue, one will observe the standard of living of the majority continue to rise; society will become closer to perfect, more knowledgeable; life will be easier, more pleasant, more luxurious, longer; but at the same time, let us expect the number of those who will need the support of their peers to collect some fraction of these goods to increase unceasingly.  One will be able to slow this double movement down; the particular circumstances in which different peoples are placed will speed up or suspend its course; but it will  be in no one's power to stop it.  Let us make haste to find the means to attenuate the inevitable evils that are already easy to predict.

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End of the first part of the first memoir