If we knew ourselves, of what could any of us be vain? Vanity is the
fruit of ignorance, and the froth of perverted pride. Humility is the
constant attendant on men of great talents and good qualities: these
enable them to see how far they are short of perfection; but the vain
and arrogant conceive they have attained its height. All vain men, who
affect popularity, fancy other people have the same opinion of them
that they have of themselves; but nothing makes them look so cheap
and little in the eyes of discerning people as their enquiring (like
Mercury in the Fable) after their own worth, and wanting to know what
value others set upon them: and those who are so full of themselves,
as to hunt for praise, and lay traps for commendation, will generally
be disappointed, and be marked out as the emptiest of fellows; for
it argues a littleness of mind to be too anxious and solicitous
concerning our fame. He that behaves himself as he should do, need not
fear procuring a good share of respect, and a fair reputation; but
then these should not be the end or the motive of our pursuits: our
principal aim should be the welfare of our country, our friends, and
ourselves, and should be directed by the rules of honour and virtue.
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