Without doubt, there is no extending our acquaintance with the world,
but we run the risk of catching its vices, as well as virtues. Yet,
push this conclusion as far as it will go, and you shut up mankind in
absolute and incurable barbarism. Such is the unhappy condition of
human nature, that in striving to cultivate its powers, you furnish the
opportunities, at least, of its corruption. Yet to leave it in that
sordid state, for fear of those abuses, is methinks but acting with the
weak apprehension of fond mothers; who deny their children the liberty
of stirring from the fire-side, for fear of the dirt or damp air,
which, in their field-exercises, may chance to incommode them.