Page:The reflections of Lichtenberg.djvu/44

 minds to gain applause by works that do not call forth the whole of our energies; for in that case one generally comes to a standstill. Hence Rochefoucauld was of opinion that no man had ever accomplished all that he could have accomplished; and for the reason given I hold that this is in the main true. All human beings have their quota of indolence, whereby they are especially inclined to do what comes easy to them. One of the greatest and also the commonest of faults is for men to believe that, because they never hear their shortcomings spoken of, or read about them in cold print, others can have no knowledge of them. I think, however, that the majority of men are better known by others than they know themselves. It is a fact that celebrated authors, who nevertheless were at bottom shallow - pated individuals (a combination that may easily occur in Germany), have for all their conceit been rated as blockheads by the best people of whom I could inquire. There are people who can come to no decision on any matter without having first slept over it. This is all very well ; but cases may occur where on this plan you risk being captured, bed and all. Do people blush for shame in the dark? That people get pale with fright in the dark, I think probable, but not red with shame. For they get pale on their own account, but red on account of