ourselves about being esteemed in the towns through
which we pass. But if we are to remain a little while there, we are so
concerned. How long is necessary? A time commensurate with our vain and
paltry life.
150. Vanity is so anchored in the heart of man that a soldier, a soldier's
servant, a cook, a porter brags and wishes to have his admirers. Even
philosophers wish for them. Those who write against it want to have the
glory of having written well; and those who read it desire the glory of
having read it. I who write this have perhaps this desire, and perhaps those
who will read it...
151. Glory.--Admiration spoils all from infancy. Ah! How well said! Ah! How
well done! How well-behaved he is! etc.
The children of Port-Royal, who do not receive this stimulus of envy and
glory, fall into carelessness.
152. Pride.--Curiosity is only vanity. Most frequently we wish to know but
to talk. Otherwise we would not take a sea voyage in order never to talk of
it, and for the sole pleasure of seeing without hope of ever communicating
it.
153. Of the desire of being esteemed by those with whom we are.--Pride takes
such natural possession of us in the midst of our woes, errors, etc. We even
lose our life with joy, provided people talk of it.
Vanity: play, hunting, visiting, false shame, a lasting name.
154. I have no friends to your advantage.
155. A true friend is so great an advantage, even for the greatest lords, in
order that he may speak well of them and back them in their absence, that
they should do all to have one. But they should choose