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 well; for, if they
spend all their efforts in the interests of fools, it will be of no use,
however well these may speak of them; and these will not even speak well of
them if they find themselves on the weakest side, for they have no
influence; and thus they will speak ill of them in company.
156. Ferox gens, nullam esse vitam sine armis rati.20 --They prefer de