Page:The reflections of Lichtenberg.djvu/104

 individual ; for to no others are we drawn by means so seductive as to these two. As sympathy usually goes, I find it very unpleasant to be sympathized with. For it is just when they are most spiteful, that people make use of the expression, “a man like that is to be pitied.” Sympathy of this sort is charity, and charity implies on the one hand need and on the other superfluity, however little it may be. There is, however, a far more unselfish sympathy, which really enters into our misfortune, which quickly bestirs itself to render aid, yet is seldom accompanied with gushing dejection, if I may use such a phrase. One might call the first of these the sympathy of charity, and the second the sympathy of an offensive and defensive alliance. Should anyone be desirous of having a motto tatooed on his person, I would like to suggest for that purpose a sentiment which I read in some essay or other in “The Observer” : The whole man must move together. Breaches of this rule are innumerable, and the harm that ensues far-reaching and often irreparable. As constituting the man I reckon head and heart, mouth and hands: and a masterly piece of work it is to conduct these through storm and stress together to the end where all movement ceases. That men do everything from motives of gain is useful for the philosopher to know; but he should