Page:Sarah Sheppard - L. E. L.pdf/161

 perhaps, this was owing, in conjunction with her attractive talents, to her knowledge of the world, rather than to any philosophical views of human nature. What is knowledge of the world but knowledge of the human mind in some of its most striking aspects, brought out by actual circumstances? True politeness itself has also been defined as "the knowledge of the human mind directing general benevolence." It is thus the art of giving pleasure, by raising such ideas and feelings in the minds of others as will afford the most pleasure, and averting as much as possible every idea which may lead to pain. It implies, therefore, a fine knowledge of the natural series of thoughts; and this foresight, acquired by attentive observation of the various characters of mankind, in a long intercourse with society, is the true knowledge