(55:6) Again, it follows that men are naturally envious
([xxiv] note, and [xxxii] note), rejoicing in the shortcomings
of their equals, and feeling pain at their virtues. (7) For whenever
a man conceives his own actions, he is affected with pleasure ([liii] ),
in proportion as his actions display more perfection, and he conceives
them more distinctly - that is (II:[xl] note), in proportion as he can
distinguish them from others, and regard them as something special.
(55:8) Therefore, a man will take most pleasure in contemplating himself,
when he contemplates some quality which he denies to others. (9) But,
if that which he affirms of himself be attributable to the idea of man
or animals in general, he will not be so greatly pleased: he will, on
the contrary, feel pain, if he conceives that his own actions fall short
when compared with those of others. (10) This pain ([xxviii] ) he will
endeavour to remove, by putting a wrong construction on the actions of
his equals, or by, as far as he can, embellishing his own.
(55:11) It is thus apparent that men are naturally prone to hatred and envy,
which latter is fostered by their education. (12) For parents are
accustomed to incite their children to virtue solely by the spur of
honour and envy. (13) But, perhaps, some will scruple to assent to what
I have said, because we not seldom admire men's virtues, and venerate
their possessors.
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