Page:The reflections of Lichtenberg.djvu/32

 most vigorous nation is invariably the most independent and happy. Indolence avenges nothing, but seeks compensation for the greatest abuse and the greatest oppression. To the intellectual not only do brainless, fashionable people become unbearable, but even the greatest amiability on the part of others loses its value should they have no mental talents. Most men of learning are more superstitious than they say, nay, than they think. We are not quite so easily rid of bad habits as this; though to conceal them from the world, and prevent harmful consequences, may be possible. I am convinced that we not only love ourselves in others, but hate ourselves in others too. Men have an irresistible impulse to believe that, so long as they see nobody, nobody sees themlike children who shut their eyes so as not to be seen.

There is a certain class of people of a vain though otherwise harmless disposition, who are always talking about their honestyalmost as if they were pursuing it as a professionand know how to whimper over their merits with so ostentatious a modesty that one fairly loses patience with these ever-dunning creditors.