(11) But
we must note, that in arranging our thoughts and conceptions we should
always bear in mind that which is good in every individual thing (IV:[lxiii]
Coroll. and III:[lix] ), in order that we may always be determined to
action by an emotion of pleasure. (12) For instance, if a man sees that
he is too keen in the pursuit of honour, let him think over its right use,
the end for which it should be pursued, and the means whereby he may
attain it. (10:13) Let him not think of its misuse, and its emptiness,
and the fickleness of mankind, and the like, whereof no man thinks except
through a morbidness of disposition; with thoughts like these do the most
ambitious most torment themselves, when they despair of gaining the
distinctions they hanker after, and in thus giving vent to their anger
would fain appear wise. (14) Wherefore it is certain that those, who
cry out the loudest against the misuse of honour and the vanity of the
world, are those who most greedily covet it. (15) This is not peculiar
to the ambitious, but is common to all who are ill-used by fortune, and
who are infirm in spirit. (10:16) For a poor man also, who is miserly,
will talk incessantly of the misuse of wealth and of the vices of the
rich; whereby he merely torments himself, and shows the world that he is
intolerant, not only of his own poverty, but also of other people's
riches.
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