Page:The reflections of Lichtenberg.djvu/41

 influences him now in jest, now in earnest. I myself am ridiculously the sport of my superstition, or rather, I make it my sport. The various dogmatic religions are subtle utilizations of this tendency in human nature. All of us have a spice of it when we don't reason clearly. There has certainly never been so complete a deist as we find in text-books; that would be impossible. The highest that a weak but experienced man can attain is a facility in finding out the weaknesses of better men. With regard to the body, there are certainly as many imaginary invalids as actual, if indeed not more; with regard to the mind, as many supposed to be sound as sound in fact, if not a great many more.

Of the fame of the most renowned men part is invariably due to the short-sightedness of their admirers; and I am convinced that the consciousness in such men that they are seen through by a few who have less reputation but more genius must embitter all the fame they enjoy. Actual, tranquil satisfaction in life cannot obtain but where there is truth. Newton, Franklinthese were enviable men indeed! How few friends would remain friends if each could see the sentiments of the other in their entirety. Some maladies are so grave that we die of them;