Of the various passions that are natural to mankind, Curiosity seems to
be one of the most active and powerful; which, unless it be engaged in
laudable pursuits, and confined within the limits prescribed by Virtue,
often becomes a disease pernicious and fatal to the mind, and exhibits
human nature in a most pitiable point of view.
Nothing can be conceived more contemptible, and at the same time move
dangerous, than a merely enquisitive person: “he is generally a blab,”
says the poet; “and ought to be avoided, as we would the spy of an
enemy.” Such a one may be compared to the Danaide’s tub, which was
incapable of containing what it received: for, whatever comes under his
inspection, or is mentioned in his hearing, he is sure to publish; and,
when opportunity shall serve, will enlarge and illustrate.
This excessive prying and communicative disposition, has been observed
to be particularly prevalent in those who are naturally indolent, and
have no useful employment to divert their imagination. The mind, if it
be not engaged in the pursuit of useful knowledge, must necessarily be
active in the investigation of trifles, and matters of small moment.
Thus, for instance, the indolent man, who affects to be studious, as he
is deterred from the attempt to acquire solid learning, by that care and
assiduity which are the consequent attendants on laborious study; so he
squanders that time, which might be employed to better purposes, in the
search after trifles. He contents himself with the knowledge of things,
that can contribute nothing to his learning; nor could his ignorance of
them diminish aught from it.
But there is a kind of Curiosity, which produces more fatal effects; and
which argues, that the disposition of those who are actuated by it, is
not only indolent as to commendable enquiries, but that they are also
envious and malicious, and enjoy great satisfaction in exposing to
public censure the faults and failings of every one around them. We meet
with beings of this description, in every place, without exception, who
make it their business to pry into the affairs of others. It is a kind
of trade with them, wherein one deals more largely than another; and he
is esteemed the greatest who can dispose of most scandal. Such persons
are finely described in the fable of the Lamiæ; who, we read, were blind
at home, but when abroad were remarkably quick-sighted. In like manner,
these Curiosi are fully blinded as to their own demerits; while not only
the more open and flagrant faults of others, but even the smallest
inadvertensy, or mistake, is subject to their strict enquiry and nicest
examination. Being always more solicitous to enquire into the failings
of their neighbours, than to notice and imitate their good qualities;
and hurried on by the strong impulse of this restless passion, they
spare no pains in searching to the very bottom of a thing that is but
whispered, and enjoy no peace till it becomes public and universally
known.
I well remember, when a worthy and respectable family first went to
reside at a place that contained a numerous class of these idlers, what
a stir it caused among them! Running about from one place to another,
various suppositions, and exclamations of surprise, passed between them.
“I wonder who this new-come family are!” says one; “and whether they are
people of much property?” “No great deal, I should conceive,” replies
another; “for they keep a very poor house, and are fashionable in no
respect whatever.”--“Aye,” says a third, “I hear that they go to market,
not with ready-money, but on trust.”--“I am informed,” says a frigid old
maid, with a contemptuous sneer, “that Mr. ----, and his wife, live
unhappily together, on account of a familiarity that subsists between
him and the chambermaid.”--“Pray, can any one inform me,” says a formal
old widow, “whether they observe any regularity in their family? What is
their hour of dining? Do they keep late hours? And what is their time of
rising?”---“O!” says one of the male gossips, “they are very particular,
Madam, I can assure you in regard to those things, and do every thing by
rule; and they are the most penurious and miserable wretches on earth,
for they always keep the key of the cellar.” Thus, these triflers, to
call them no worse, amuse themselves with groundless conjectures, and
unjust censure, the absurdity of which needs no remark.
But, notwithstanding every transaction, that comes under their
cognizance, is handed about with the worst construction it is capable of
receiving, they by no means stop here. Not content with the information
themselves are able to collect, they have their private emissaries to
communicate intelligence, and give them notice of the domestic affairs
of every family in the town, which become the subject of debate the next
time they assemble; for they have their meetings, where the conversation
never fails to be such as wounds the honour and reputation of some of
their neighbours. If any one in company presumes to speak of another
with praise and commendation, he is either attended to with careless
indifference, or totally disregarded; and considered as one who wishes
to violate the laws and rules of the society. On the contrary, should he
call in question the chastity of some sage matron, or relate the
misfortunes of some frail female; should he make the discord of
families, or the animosities of friends, the topick of conversation;
they are all attention, and listen to the scandalous report with the
highest degree of satisfaction.
One grand incentive to Curiosity, is a fickle and unsteady temper, with
a fondness for novelty. When, therefore, the mind in any of it’s sallies
borders on frivolity, it ought immediately to be checked, and have its
attention directed to some other object less unworthy the consideration
of a rational creature. Thus, by bringing this passion under the
government of Reason, at the first, we may prevent the unhappy
consequences that envy and spleen might otherwise spur it on to effect.
In diseases of the body, by not attending to the first symptoms of a
disorder, and stopping it in the beginning, it often happens, that it
gains strength through delay; and, in process of time, bids defiance to
the powers of medicine. Thus it is with diseases of the mind. Such, and
so inveterate is the nature of vice, that unless it be eradicated on its
first appearance, and destroyed in its infancy, the contagion soon
extends it’s baneful influence over all the faculties of the mind, and
enervates the whole intellectual system.
In order to the preservation of health, on the slightest attack of any
corporal malady, it is expedient to have immediate recourse to those
means which are considered the best adapted to impede it’s progress: and
if, to remove infirmities of the body, so much precaution be necessary,
surely the mind demands still greater attention. But how frequently do
we find this nobler part of man, either very little regarded, or totally
neglected! Too often are the innate virtues of the soul extinguished by
the insinuations of Vice! its nobler powers enfeebled by the alluring
wiles of that fascinating enchantress; and rendered useless, as to the
end and design for which they were originally intended; or, what is
worse, applied in promoting the advancement of her cause, to our own
perpetual disgrace!
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