It is impossible for any man to take a true measure of the abilities
of another, without an exact knowledge and true judgment of his own; a
false estimate of which always exposes him to ridicule, and sometimes
to danger. Every man ought therefore to examine the strength of his own
mind with attention and impartiality, and not fondly to flatter himself
that he can by an awkward and ill-judged emulation soar to the height
which has been attained by men endowed by nature with great abilities
and original talents, matured by industry. We can no more adopt the
genius of another man, than we can assume his shape and person. The
bright original in every department of the arts and sciences will be
valued and esteemed, whilst his puny imitators will be treated with
neglect, or be despised. Almost every man has something original in
himself, which, if duly cultivated, might perhaps procure him respect
and applause, and it is creditable for him to endeavour justly to
obtain them.
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