Page:The reflections of Lichtenberg.djvu/124

 criticises us than we declare it incapable of appreciating intellectual work? After noting many aspects of human nature with a great and flattering sense of self-superiority, and putting the result of my observations into still finer words, I found just those to be the best which I had written uninspired by these feelings and in quite a homely style. Few people, I am sure, give their books to the world without persuading themselves that everyone will forthwith lay aside or light their pipes, as the case may be, in order to read them. I don’t merely say that I am not destined to enjoy this honour, for that were easy, but I’m convinced of the fact, and this is somewhat more difficult and needs to be learnt by experience. Author, compositor, proof corrector and censor may read the book, and perhaps the reviewer too, if so inclined; which makes precisely five out of a thousand million. I have a distinct if vague feeling about the large type used in my book on Hogarth, that the little intelligence it shows cannot give life to such size; you may say what you will, but this is true. The less intellect there is in them, the smaller the type in which books should be printed. Even with failing memory and intellectual power generally on the wane, I believe that a man may still do good writing if only he does not let too