Page:The Works of Samuel Johnson ... A journey to the Hebrides. The vision of Theodore, the hermit of Teneriffe. The fountains. Prayers and meditations. Sermons.v. 10-11. Parliamentary debates.pdf/435

 those who speak ill, but by those likewise that say nothing.

As every engine of artificial motion, as it consists of more parts, is in more danger of deficience and disorder; so every effect, as it requires the agency of greater numbers, is more likely to fail. Yet what pleasure is granted to man, beyond the gross gratifications of sense, common to him with other animals, that does not demand the help of others, and the help of greater numbers, as the pleasure is sublimated and enlarged? And since such is the constitution of things, that whatever can give pleasure can likewise cause uneasiness, there is little hope that uneasiness will be long escaped. Of them whose offices are necessary to felicity, some will be perverse, and some will be unskilful; some will negligently withhold their contributions, and some will enviously withdraw them. The various and opposite directions of the human mind, which divide men into so many different occupations, keep all the inhabitants of the earth perpetually busy; but when it is considered, that the business of every man is to counteract the purpose of some other man, it will appear, that universal activity cannot contribute much to universal happiness. Of those that contend, one must necessarily be overcome, and he that prevails never has his labour rewarded to his wish; but finds that he has been contending for that which cannot satisfy, and engaged in a contest where even victory is vanity.

What then is the influence which the conviction of this unwelcome truth ought to have upon our conduct? It ought to teach us humility, patience, and diffidence. When we consider how little we know of the distant consequence of our own actions, how little the greatest personal qualities can protect us from misfortune, how much all our importance depends upon the favour of others, how uncertainly that favour is bestowed, and how easily it is lost; we shall find that we have very little reason to be proud. That which is most apt to elate the thoughts, height of place, and greatness of power, is the gift of