XXV.6 On monasteries

, par Stewart

The least bit of good sense makes it clear that these bodies that are forever self-perpetuating should not sell their holdings for their lifetime, nor borrow for their lifetime, unless we want them to become the heirs of everyone who has no relatives and of everyone who does not want to have any : these folks are betting against the people, but they are playing the bank against them. [1]

Notes

[1[Banque, a term used in several board games for the holdings of the master of the game, who is responsible for paying those who win. (Trévoux.)]