XXIX] Self-abasement is thinking too meanly of
one's self by reason of pain.
Explanation.- (E29:1) We are nevertheless generally accustomed to oppose
pride to humility, but in that case we pay more attention to the effect
of either emotion than to its nature. (2) We are wont to call proud the man
who boasts too much ([xxx] note), who talks of nothing but his own
virtues and other people's faults, who wishes to be first; and lastly
who goes through life with a style and pomp suitable to those far above
him in station. (E29:3) On the other hand, we call humble the man who too
often blushes, who confesses his faults, who sets forth other men's
virtues, and who, lastly, walks with bent head and is negligent of his
attire. (4) However, these emotions, humility and self-abasement, are
extremely rare. (E29:5) For human nature, considered in itself, strives
against them as much as it can (see [xiii] , [liv] ); hence those
who are believed to be most self-abased and humble, are generally in
reality the most ambitious and envious.
[De.XXX] Honour (Gloria) is pleasure accompanied by the
idea of some action of our own, which we believe
to be praised by others.
[De.XXXI] Shame is pain accompanied by the idea of
some action of our own, which we believe
to blamed by others.
Explanation.- (E31:1) On this subject see the note to [xxx] .
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