There must be a strange confusion in the nature of man, that he should boast
of being in that state in which it seems incredible that a single individual
should be. However, experience has shown me so great a number of such
persons that the fact would be surprising, if we did not know that the
greater part of those who trouble themselves about the matter are
disingenuous and not, in fact, what they say. They are people who have heard
it said that it is the fashion to be thus daring. It is what they call
"shaking off the yoke," and they try to imitate this. But it would not be
difficult to make them understand how greatly they deceive themselves in
thus seeking esteem. This is not the way to gain it, even I say among those
men of the world who take a healthy view of things and who know that the
only way to succeed in this life is to make ourselves appear honourable,
faithful, judicious, and capable of useful service to a friend; becau