All our dignity consists, then, in thought. By it we must elevate ourselves,
and not by space and time which we cannot fill. Let us endeavour, then, to
think well; this is the principle of morality.
348. A thinking reed.--It is not from space that I must seek my dignity, but
from the government of my thought. I shall have no more if I possess worlds.
By space the universe encompasses and swallows me up like an atom; by
thought I comprehend the world.
349. Immateriality of the soul--Philosophers who have mastered their
passions. What matter could do that?
350. The Stoics.--They conclude that what has been done once can be done
always, and that, since the desire of glory imparts some power to those whom
it possesses, others can do likewise. There are feverish movements which
he