SectionVI
OfMoralSentimentUponaslightobservationofwhatpassesinhumanlife,weshouldbeapttoconclude,thatthecareofsubsistenceistheprincipalspringofhumanactions。Thisconsiderationleadstotheinventionandpracticeofmechanicalarts;itservestodistinguishamusementfrombusiness;and,withmany,scarcelyadmitsintocompetitionanyothersubjectofpursuitorattention。Themightyadvantagesofpropertyandfortune,whenstriptoftherecommendationstheyderivefromvanity,orthemoreseriousregardstoindependenceandpower,onlymeanaprovisionthatismadeforanimalenjoyment;andifoursolicitudeonthissubjectwereremoved,notonlythetoilsofthemechanic,butthestudiesofthelearned,wouldcease;everydepartmentofpublicbusinesswouldbecomeunnecessary;everysenate-housewouldbeshutup,andeverypalacedeserted。
Ismantherefore,inrespecttohisobject,tobeclassedwiththemerebrutes,andonlytobedistinguishedbyfacultiesthatqualifyhimtomultiplycontrivancesforthesupportandconvenienceofanimallife,andbytheextentofafancythatrendersthecareofanimalpreservationtohimmoreburdensomethanitistotheherdwithwhichhesharesinthebountyofnature?Ifthiswerehiscase,thejoywhichattendsonsuccess,orthegriefswhicharisefromdisappointment,wouldmakethesumofhispassions。Thetorrentthatwasted,ortheinundationthatenrichedhispossessions,wouldgivehimalltheemotionwithwhichheisseized,ontheoccasionofawrongbywhichhisfortunesareimpaired,orofabenefitbywhichtheyarepreservedandenlarged。Hisfellow-creatureswouldbeconsideredmerelyastheyaffectedhisinterest。Profitorlosswouldservetomarktheeventofeverytransaction;andtheepithetsusefulordetrimentalwouldservetodistinguishhismatesinsociety,astheydothetreewhichbearsplentyoffruit,fromthatwhichservesonlytocumbertheground,orintercepthisview。
This,however,isnotthehistoryofourspecies。Whatcomesfromafellow-creatureisreceivedwithpeculiarattention;andeverylanguageaboundswithtermsthatexpresssomewhatinthetransactionsofmen,differentfromsuccessanddisappointment。
Thebosomkindlesincompany,whilethepointofinterestinviewhasnothingtoinflame;andamatterfrivolousinitself,becomesimportant,whenitservestobringtolighttheintentionsandcharactersofmen。Theforeigner,whobelievedthatOthello,onthestage,wasenragedforthelossofhishandkerchief,wasnotmoremistaken,thanthereasonerwhoimputesanyofthemorevehementpassionsofmentotheimpressionsofmereprofitorloss。
Menassembletodeliberateonbusiness;theyseparatefromjealousiesofinterest;butintheirseveralcollisions,whetherasfriendsorasenemies,afireisstruckoutwhichtheregardstointerestorsafetycannotconfine。Thevalueofafavourisnotmeasuredwhensentimentsofkindnessareperceived;andthetermmisfortunehasbutafeeblemeaning,whencomparedtothatofinsultandwrong。
Asactorsorspectators,weareperpetuallymadetofeelthedifferenceofhumanconduct,andfromabarerecitaloftransactionswhichhavepassedinagesandcountriesremotefromourown,aremovedwithadmirationandpity,ortransportedwithindignationandrage。Oursensibilityonthissubjectgivestheircharm,inretirement,totherelationsofhistory,andtothefictionsofpoetry;sendsforththetearofcompassion,givestotheblooditsbriskestmovement,andtotheeyeitsliveliestglancesofdispleasureorjoy。Itturnshumanlifeintoaninterestingspectacle,andperpetuallysolicitseventheindolenttomix,asopponentsorfriends,inthesceneswhichareactedbeforethem。Joinedtothepowersofdeliberationandreason,itconstitutesthebasisofamoralnature;andwhilstitdictatesthetermsofpraiseandofblame,servestoclassourfellow-creaturesbythemostadmirableandengaging,orthemostodiousandcontemptible,denominations。
Itispleasanttofindmen,who,intheirspeculations,denytherealityofmoraldistinctions,forgetindetailthegeneralpositionstheymaintain,andgiveloosetoridicule,indignation,andscorn,asifanyofthesesentimentscouldhaveplace,weretheactionsofmenindifferent;andwithacrimonypretendtodetectthefraudbywhichmoralrestraintshavebeenimposed,asiftocensureafraudwerenotalreadytotakeapartonthesideofmorality。8*
Canweexplaintheprinciplesuponwhichmankindadjudgethepreferenceofcharacters,anduponwhichtheyindulgesuchvehementemotionsofadmirationorcontempt?Ifitbeadmittedthatwecannot,arethefactslesstrue?ormustwesuspendthemovementsoftheheartuntiltheywhoareemployedinframingsystemsofsciencehavediscoveredtheprinciplefromwhichthosemovementsproceed?Ifafingerburn,wecarenotforinformationonthepropertiesoffire:iftheheartbetorn,orthemindoverjoyed,wehavenotleisureforspeculationsonthesubjectofmoralsensibility。
Itisfortunateinthis,asinotherarticlestowhichspeculationandtheoryareapplied,thatnatureproceedsinhercourse,whilstthecuriousarebusiedinthesearchofherprinciples。Thepeasant,orthechild,canreason,andjudge,andspeakhislanguage,withadiscernment,aconsistency,andaregardtoanalogy,whichperplexthelogician,themoralist,andthegrammarian,whentheywouldfindtheprincipleuponwhichtheproceedingisfounded,orwhentheywouldbringtogeneralrules,whatissofamiliar,andsowellsustainedinparticularcases。
Thefelicityofourconductismoreowingtothetalentwepossessfordetail,andtothesuggestionofparticularoccasions,thanitistoanydirectionwecanfindintheoryandgeneralspeculations。
Wemust,intheresultofeveryinquiry,encounterwithfactswhichwecannotexplain;andtobearwiththismortificationwouldsaveusfrequentlyagreatdealoffruitlesstrouble。
Togetherwiththesenseofourexistence,wemustadmitmanycircumstanceswhichcometoourknowledgeatthesametime,andinthesamemanner;andwhichdo,inreality,constitutethemodeofourbeing。Everypeasantwilltellus,thatamanhathhisrights;andthattotrespassonthoserightsisinjustice。Ifweaskhimfarther,whathemeansbythetermright?weprobablyforcehimtosubstitutealesssignificant,orlessproperterm,intheplaceofthis;orrequirehimtoaccountforwhatisanoriginalmodeofhismind,andasentimenttowhichheultimatelyrefers,whenhewouldexplainhimselfuponanyparticularapplicationofhislanguage。
Therightsofindividualsmayrelatetoavarietyofsubjects,andbecomprehendedunderdifferentheads。Priortotheestablishmentofproperty,andthedistinctionofranks,menhavearighttodefendtheirpersons,andtoactwithfreedom;theyhavearighttomaintaintheapprehensionsofreason,andthefeelingsoftheheart;andtheycannotforamomentconversewithoneanother,withoutfeelingthattheparttheymaintainmaybejustorunjust。Itisnot,however,ourbusinessheretocarrythenotionofarightintoitsseveralapplications,buttoreasononthesentimentoffavourwithwhichthatnotionisentertainedinthemind。
Ifitbetrue,thatmenareunitedbyinstinct,thattheyactinsocietyfromaffectionsofkindnessandfriendship;ifitbetrue,thatevenpriortoacquaintanceandhabitude,men,assuch,arecommonlytooneanotherobjectsofattention,andsomedegreeofregard;thatwhiletheirprosperityisbeheldwithindifference,theirafflictionsareconsideredwithcommiseration;ifcalamitiesbemeasuredbythenumbersandthequalitiesofmentheyinvolve;andifeverysufferingofafellow-creaturedrawsacroudofattentivespectators;ifeveninthecaseofthosetowhomwedonothabituallywishanypositivegood,wearestillaversetobetheinstrumentsofharm;itshouldseem,thatinthesevariousappearancesofanamicabledisposition,thefoundationsofamoralapprehensionaresufficientlylaid,andthesenseofarightwhichwemaintainforourselves,isbyamovementofhumanityandcandourextendedtoourfellowcreatures。
Whatisitthatpromptsthetonguewhenwecensureanactofcrueltyoroppression?Whatisitthatconstitutesourrestraintfromoffencesthattendtodistressourfellow-creatures?Itisprobably,inbothcases,aparticularapplicationofthatprinciple,which,inpresenceofthesorrowful,sendsforththetearofcompassion;andacombinationofallthosesentiments,whichconstituteabenevolentdisposition;andifnotaresolutiontodogood,atleastanaversiontobetheinstrumentofharm。9*
Itmaybedifficult,however,toenumeratethemotivesofallthecensuresandcommendationswhichareappliedtotheactionsofmen。Evenwhilewemoralize,everydispositionofthehumanmindmayhaveitsshareinformingthejudgement,andinpromptingthetongue。Asjealousyisoftenthemostwatchfulguardianofchastity,somaliceisoftenthequickesttospythefailingsofourneighbour。Envy,affectation,andvanity,maydictatetheverdictswegive,andtheworstprinciplesofournaturemaybeatthebottomofourpretendedzealformorality;
butifweonlymeantoinquire,whytheywhoarewelldisposedtomankind,apprehend,ineveryinstance,certainrightspertainingtotheirfellow-creatures,andwhytheyapplaudtheconsiderationthatispaidtothoserights,wecannotperhapsassignabetterreason,thanthatthepersonwhoapplauds,iswelldisposedtothewelfareofthepartiestowhomhisapplausesrefer。
Whenweconsider,thattherealityofanyamicablepropensityinthehumanmindhasbeenfrequentlycontested;whenwerecollecttheprevalenceofinterestedcompetitions,withtheirattendantpassionsofjealousy,envy,andmalice;itmayseemstrangetoalledge,thatloveandcompassionarethemostpowerfulprinciplesinthehumanbreast:buttheyaredestined,onmanyoccasions,tourgewiththemostirresistiblevehemence;
andifthedesireofself-preservationbemoreconstant,andmoreuniform,theseareamoreplentifulsourceofenthusiasm,satisfaction,andjoy。Withapower,notinferiortothatofresentmentandrage,theyhurrythemindintoeverysacrificeofinterest,andbearitundismayedthrougheveryhardshipanddanger。
Thedispositiononwhichfriendshipisgrafted,glowswithsatisfactioninthehoursoftranquillity,andispleasant,notonlyinitstriumphs,buteveninitssorrows。Itthrowsagraceontheexternalair,and,byitsexpressiononthecountenance,compensatesforthewantofbeauty,orgivesacharmwhichnocomplexionorfeaturescanequal。Fromthissourcethescenesofhumanlifederivetheirprincipalfelicity;andtheirimitationsinpoetry,theirprincipalornament。Descriptionsofnature,evenrepresentationsofavigorousconduct,andamanlycourage,donotengagetheheart,iftheybenotmixedwiththeexhibitionofgeneroussentiments,andthepathetic,whichisfoundtoariseinthestruggles,thetriumphs,orthemisfortunesofatenderaffection。ThedeathofPolites,intheAeneid,isnotmoreaffectingthanthatofmanyotherswhoperishedintheruinsofTroy;buttheagedPriamwaspresentwhenthislastofhissonswasslain;andtheagoniesofgriefandsorrowforcetheparentfromhisretreat,tofallbythehandthatshedthebloodofhischild。ThepatheticofHomerconsistsinexhibitingtheforceofaffections,notinexcitingmereterrorandpity;passionshehasneverperhaps,inanyinstance,attemptedtoraise。
Withthistendencytokindleintoenthusiasm,withthiscommandovertheheart,withthepleasurethatattendsitsemotions,andwithallitseffectsinmeritingconfidence,andprocuringesteem,itisnotsurprising,thataprincipleofhumanityshouldgivethetonetoourcommendationsandourcensures,andevenwhereitishinderedfromdirectingourconduct,shouldstillgivetothemind,onreflection,itsknowledgeofwhatisdesirableinthehumancharacter。WhathastthoudonewiththybrotherAbel?wasthefirstexpostulationinbehalfofmorality;andifthefirstanswerhasbeenoftenrepeated,mankindhavenotwithstand-standing,inonesense,sufficientlyacknowledgedthechargeoftheirnature。Theyhavefelt,theyhavetalked,andevenacted,asthekeepersoftheirfellow-creatures:Theyhavemadetheindicationsofcandourandmutualaffectionthetestofwhatismeritoriousandamiableinthecharactersofmen:Theyhavemadecrueltyandoppressiontheprincipalobjectsoftheirindignationandrage:Evenwhiletheheadisoccupiedwithprojectsofinterest,theheartisoftenseducedintofriendship;andwhilebusinessproceedsonthemaximsofself-preservation,thecarelesshourisemployedingenerosityandkindness。
Hencetherulebywhichmencommonlyjudgeofexternalactions,istakenfromthesupposedinfluenceofsuchactionsonthegeneralgood。Toabstainfromharm,isthegreatlawofnaturaljustice;todiffusehappinessisthelawofmorality;andwhenwecensuretheconferringafavourononeorafewattheexpenceofmany,werefertopublicutility,asthegreatobjectatwhichtheactionsofmenshouldbeaimed。
Afterall,itmustbeconfessed,thatifaprincipleofaffectiontomankind,bethebasisofourmoralapprobationanddislike,wesometimesproceedindistributingapplauseorcensure,withoutpreciselyattendingtothedegreeinwhichourfellow-creaturesarehurtorobliged;andthat,besidesthevirtuesofcandour,friendship,generosity,andpublicspirit,whichbearanimmediatereferencetothisprinciple,thereareotherswhichmayseemtoderivetheircommendationfromadifferentsource。Temperance,prudence,fortitude,arethosequalitieslikewiseadmiredfromaprincipleofregardtoourfellow-creatures?Whynot,sincetheyrendermenhappyinthemselves,andusefultoothers?Hewhoisqualifiedtopromotethewelfareofmankind,isneitherasot,afool,noracoward。
Canitbemoreclearlyexpressed,thattemperance,prudence,andfortitude,arenecessarytothecharacterweloveandadmire?I
knowwellwhyIshouldwishforthem,inmyself。andwhylikewiseIshouldwishfortheminmyfriend,andineverypersonwhoisanobjectofmyaffection。Buttowhatpurposeseekforreasonsofapprobation,wherequalitiesaresonecessarytoourhappiness,andsogreatapartintheperfectionofournature?
Wemustceasetoesteemourselves,andtodistinguishwhatisexcellent,whensuchqualificationsincurourneglect。
Apersonofanaffectionatemind,possessedofamaxim,Thathehimself,asanindividual,isnomorethanapartofthewholethatdemandshisregard,hasfound,inthatprinciple,asufficientfoundationforallthevirtues;foracontemptofanimalpleasures,thatwouldsupplanthisprincipalenjoyment;
foranequalcontemptofdangerorpain,thatcometostophispursuitsofpublicgood。’Avehementandsteadyaffectionmagnifiesitsobject,andlessenseverydifficultyordangerthatstandsintheway。’’Askthosewhohavebeeninlove,’saysEpictetus,’theywillknowthatIspeaktruth。’
’Ihavebeforeme,’saysanothereminentmoralist,10*’anideaofjustice,which,ifIcouldfollowineveryinstance,I
shouldthinkmyselfthemosthappyofmen’。Anditis,perhaps,ofconsequencetotheirhappiness,aswellastotheirconduct,ifthosecanbedisjoined,thatmenshouldhavethisideaproperlyformed:Itisperhapsbutanothernameforthatgoodofmankind,whichthevirtuousareengagedtopromote。Ifvirtuebethesupremegood,itsbestandmostsignaleffectis,tocommunicateanddiffuseitself。
Tolove,andeventohate,ontheapprehensionofmoralqualities,toespouseonepartyfromasenseofjustice,toopposeanotherwithindignationexcitedbyiniquity,arethecommonindicationsofprobity,andtheoperationsofananimated,upright,andgenerousspirit。Toguardagainstunjustpartialities,andill-groundedantipathies;tomaintainthatcomposureofmind,which,withoutimpairingitssensibilityorardour,proceedsineveryinstancewithdiscernmentandpenetration,arethemarksofavigorousandcultivatedspirit。
Tobeabletofollowthedictatesofsuchaspiritthroughallthevarietiesofhumanlife,andwithamindalwaysmasterofitself,inprosperityoradversity,andpossessedofallitsabilities,whenthesubjectsinhazardarelife,orfreedom,asmuchasintreatingsimplequestionsofinterest,arethetriumphsofmagnanimity,andtrueelevationofmind。’Theeventofthedayisdecided。Drawthisjavelinfrommybodynow,’saidEpaminondas,’andletmebleed。’
Inwhatsituation,orbywhatinstruction,isthiswonderfulcharactertobeformed?Isitfoundinthenurseriesofaffectation,pertness,andvanity,fromwhichfashionispropagated,andthegenteelisannounced?ingreatandopulentcities,wheremenviewithoneanotherinequipage,dress,andthereputationoffortune?Isitwithintheadmiredprecinctsofacourt,wherewemaylearntosmilewithoutbeingpleased,tocaresswithoutaffection,towoundwiththesecretweaponsofenvyandjealousy,andtorestourpersonalimportanceoncircumstanceswhichwecannotalwayswithhonourcommand?No:butinasituationwherethegreatsentimentsoftheheartareawakened;wherethecharactersofmen,nottheirsituationsandfortunes,aretheprincipaldistinction;wheretheanxietiesofinterest,orvanity,perishintheblazeofmorevigorousemotions;andwherethehumansoul,havingfeltandrecogniseditsobjects,likeananimalwhohastastedthebloodofhisprey,cannotdescendtopursuitsthatleaveitstalentsanditsforceunemployed。
Properoccasionsaloneoperatingonaraisedandahappydisposition,mayproducethisadmirableeffect,whilstmereinstructionmayalwaysfindmankindatalosstocomprehenditsmeaning,orinsensibletoitsdictates。Thecase,however,isnotdesperate,tillwehaveformedoursystemofpolitics,aswellasmanners;tillwehavesoldourfreedomfortifies,equipage,anddistinctions;tillweseenomeritbutprosperityandpower,nodisgracebutpovertyandneglect。Whatcharmofinstructioncancurethemindthatistaintedwiththisdisorder?Whatsyrenvoicecanawakenadesireoffreedom,thatisheldtobemeanness,andawantofambition?orwhatpersuasioncanturnthegrimaceofpolitenessintorealsentimentsofhumanityandcandour?
SectionVII。
OfHappinessHavinghadunderourconsiderationtheactivepowersandthemoralqualitieswhichdistinguishthenatureofman,isitstillnecessarythatweshouldtreatofhishappinessapart?Thissignificantterm,themostfrequent,andthemostfamiliar,inourconversation,is,perhaps,onreflection,theleastunderstood。Itservestoexpressoursatisfaction,whenanydesireisgratified:Itispronouncedwithasigh,whenourobjectisdistant:Itmeanswhatwewishtoobtain,andwhatweseldomstaytoexamine。Weestimatethevalueofeverysubjectbyitsutility,anditsinfluenceonhappiness;butwethinkthatutilityitself,andhappiness,requirenoexplanation。
Thosemenarecommonlyesteemedthehappiest,whosedesiresaremostfrequentlygratified。Butif,inreality,thepossessionofwhatwedesire,andacontinuedfruition,wererequisitetohappiness,mankindforthemostpartwouldhavereasontocomplainoftheirlot。Whattheycalltheirenjoyments,aregenerallymomentary;andtheobjectofsanguineexpectation,whenobtained,nolongercontinuestooccupythemind:Anewpassionsucceeds,andtheimagination,asbefore,isintentonadistantfelicity。
Howmanyreflectionsofthissortaresuggestedbymelancholy,orbytheeffectsofthatverylanguorandinoccupationintowhichwewouldwillinglysink,underthenotionoffreedomfromcareandtrouble?
Whenweenteronaformalcomputationoftheenjoymentsorsufferingswhicharepreparedformankind,itisachancebutwefindthatpain,byitsintenseness,itsduration,orfrequency,isgreatlypredominant。Theactivityandeagernesswithwhichwepressfromonestageoflifetoanother,ourunwillingnesstoreturnonthepathswehavetrod,ouraversioninagetorenewthefrolicsofyouth,ortorepeatinmanhoodtheamusementsofchildren,havebeenaccordinglystatedasproofs,thatourmemoryofthepast,andourfeelingofthepresent,areequalsubjectsofdislikeanddispleasure。11*
Thisconclusion,however,likemanyothers,drawnfromoursupposedknowledgeofcauses,doesnotcorrespondwithexperience。Ineverystreet,ineveryvillage,ineveryfield,thegreaternumberofpersonswemeet,carryanaspectthatischearfulorthoughtless,indifferent,composed,busy,oranimated。Thelabourerwhistlestohisteam,andthemechanicisateaseinhiscalling;thefrolicsomeandthegayfeelaseriesofpleasures,ofwhichweknownotthesource;eventheywhodemonstratethemiseriesofhumanlife,whenintentontheirargument,escapefromtheirsorrows,andfindatolerablepastimeinprovingthatmenareunhappy。
Theverytermspleasureandpain,perhaps,areequivocal;butiftheyareconfined,astheyappeartobeinmanyofourreasonings,tothemeresensationswhichhaveareferencetoexternalobjects,eitherinthememoryofthepast,thefeelingofthepresent,ortheapprehensionofthefuture,itisagreaterrortosuppose,thattheycomprehendalltheconstituentsofhappinessormisery;orthatthegoodhumourofanordinarylifeismaintainedbytheprevalenceofthosepleasureswhichhavetheirseparatenames,andare,onreflection,distinctlyremembered。
Themind,duringthegreaterpartofitsexistence,isemployedinactiveexertions,notinmerelyattendingtoitsownfeelingsofpleasureorpain;andthelistofitsfaculties,understanding,memory,foresight,sentiment,will,andintention,onlycontainsthenamesofitsdifferentoperations。
Intheabsenceofeverysensationtowhichwecommonlygivethenameseitherofenjoymentorsuffering,ourveryexistencemayhaveitsoppositequalitiesofhappinessormisery;andifwhatwecallpleasureorpain,occupiesbutasmallpartofhumanlife,comparedtowhatpassesincontrivanceandexecution,inpursuitsandexpectations,inconduct,reflection,andsocialengagements;itmustappear,thatouractivepursuits,atleastonaccountoftheirduration,deservethegreaterpartofourattention。Whentheiroccasionshavefailed,thedemandisnotforpleasure,butforsomethingtodo;andtheverycomplaintsofasuffererarenotsosureamarkofdistress,asthestareofthelanguid。
Weseldom,however,reckonanytaskwhichweareboundtoperform,amongtheblessingsoflife。Wealwaysaimataperiodofpureenjoyment,oraterminationoftrouble;andoverlookthesourcefromwhichmostofourpresentsatisfactionsarereallydrawn。Askthebusy,Whereisthehappinesstowhichtheyaspire?
theywillanswer,perhaps,Thatitistobefoundintheobjectofsomepresentpursuit。Ifweask,Whytheyarenotmiserableintheabsenceofthathappiness?theywillsay,Thattheyhopetoattainit。Butisithopealonethatsupportsthemindinthemidstofprecariousanduncertainprospects?andwouldassuranceofsuccessfilltheintervalsofexpectationwithmorepleasingemotions?Givethehuntsmanhisprey,givethegamesterthegoldwhichisstakedOnthegame,thattheonemaynotneedtofatiguehisperson,northeothertoperplexhismind,andbothwillprobablylaughatourfolly。theonewillstakehismoneyanew,thathemaybeperplexed;theotherwillturnhisstagtothefield,thathemayhearthecryofthedogs,andfollowthroughdangerandhardship。Withdrawtheoccupationsofmen,terminatetheirdesires,existenceisaburden,andtheiterationofmemoryisatorment。
Themenofthiscountry,saysonelady,shouldlearntosowandtoknit;itwouldhindertheirtimefrombeingaburdentothemselves,andtootherpeople。Thatistrue,saysanother;formypart,thoughIneverlookabroad,Itrembleattheprospectofbadweather;forthenthegentlemencomemoppingtousforentertainment;andthesightofahusbandindistress,isbutamelancholyspectacle。
Indevising,orinexecutingaplan,inbeingcarriedonthetideofemotionandsentiment,themindseemstounfolditsbeing,andtoenjoyitself。Evenwheretheendandtheobjectareknowntobeoflittleavail,thetalentsandthefancyareoftenintenselyapplied,andbusinessorplaymayamusethemalike。Weonlydesirereposetorecruitourlimitedandourwastingforce:
whenbusinessfatigues,amusementisoftenbutachangeofoccupation。Wearenotalwaysunhappy,evenwhenwecomplain。
Thereisakindofafflictionwhichmakesanagreeablestateofthemind;andlamentationitselfissometimesanexpressionofpleasure。Thepainterandthepoethavelaidholdofthishandle,andfind,amongthemeansofentertainment,afavourablereceptionforworksthatarecomposedtoawakenoursorrows。
Toabeingofthisdescription,therefore,itisablessingtomeetwithincentivestoaction,whetherinthedesireofpleasure,ortheaversiontopain。Hisactivityisofmoreimportancethantheverypleasureheseeks,andlangouragreaterevilthanthesufferingheshuns。
Thegratificationsofanimalappetiteareofshortduration;
andsensualityisbutadistemperofthemind,whichoughttobecuredbyremembrance,ifitwerenotperpetuallyinflamedbyhope。Thechaceisnotmoresurelyterminatedbythedeathofthegame,thanthejoysofthevoluptuarybythemeansofcompletinghisdebauch。Asabondofsociety,asamatterofdistantpursuit,theobjectsofsensemakeanimportantpartinthesystemofhumanlife。Theyleadustofulfilthepurposeofnature,inpreservingtheindividual,andinperpetuatingthespecies:buttorelyontheiruseasaprincipalconstituentofhumanfelicity,wereanerrorinspeculation,andwouldbestillmoreanerrorinpractice。Eventhemasteroftheseraglio,forwhomallthetreasuresofempireareextortedfromthehoardsofitsfrightedinhabitants,forwhomalonethechoicestemeraldandthediamondaredrawnfromthemine,forwhomeverybreezeisenrichedwithperfumes,forwhombeautyisassembledfromeveryquarter,and,animatedbypassionsthatripenundertheverticalsun,isconfinedtothegrateforhisuse,isstill,perhaps,morewretchedthantheveryherdofthepeople,whoselaboursandpropertiesaredevotedtorelievehimoftrouble,andtoprocurehimenjoyment。
Sensualityiseasilyovercomebyanyofthehabitsofpursuitwhichusuallyengageanactivemind。Whencuriosityisawake,orwhenpassionisexcited,eveninthemidstofthefeastwhenconversationgrowswarm,growsjovial,orserious,thepleasuresofthetableweknowareforgotten。Theboycontemnsthemforplay,andthemanofagedeclinesthemforbusiness。
Whenwereckonthecircumstancesthatcorrespondtothenatureofanyanimal,ortothatofmaninparticular,suchassafety,shelter,food,andtheothermeansofenjoymentorpreservation,wesometimesthinkthatwehavefoundasensibleandasolidfoundationonwhichtoresthisfelicity。Butthosewhoareleastdisposedtomoralize,observe,thathappinessisnotconnectedwithfortune,althoughfortuneincludesatonceallthemeansofsubsistence,andthemeansofsensualindulgence。
Thecircumstancesthatrequireabstinence,courage,andconduct,exposeustohazard,andareindescriptionofthepainfulkind;
yettheable,thebrave,andtheardent,seemmosttoenjoythemselveswhenplacedinthemidstofdifficulties,andobligedtoemploythepowerstheypossess。
Spinolabeingtold,thatSirFrancisVerediedofhavingnothingtodo,said,’Thatwasenoughtokillageneral。’12*
Howmanyaretheretowhomwaritselfisapastime,whochusethelifeofasoldier,exposedtodangersandcontinuedfatigues;ofamariner,inconflictwitheveryhardship,andbereftofeveryconveniency;ofapolitician,whosesportistheconductofpartiesandfactions;andwho,ratherthanbeidle,willdothebusinessofmenandofnationsforwhomhehasnotthesmallestregard。Suchmendonotchusepainaspreferabletopleasure,buttheyareincitedbyarestlessdispositiontomakecontinuedexertionsofcapacityandresolution;theytriumphinthemidstoftheirstruggles;theydroop,andtheylanguish,whentheoccasionoftheirlabourhasceased。
Whatwasenjoyment,inthesenseofthatyouth,who,accordingtoTacitus,loveddangeritself,nottherewardsofcourage?Whatistheprospectofpleasure,whenthesoundofthehornorthetrumpet,thecryofthedogs,ortheshoutofwar,awakentheardourofthesportsmanandthesoldier?Themostanimatingoccasionsofhumanlife,arecallstodangerandhardship,notinvitationstosafetyandease:andmanhimself,inhisexcellence,isnotananimalofpleasure,nordestinedmerelytoenjoywhattheelementsbringtohisuse;but,likehisassociates,thedogandthehorse,tofollowtheexercisesofhisnature,inpreferencetowhatarecalleditsenjoyments;topineinthelapofeaseandofaffluence,andtoexultinthemidstofalarmsthatseemtothreatenhisbeing。Inallwhich,hisdispositiontoactiononlykeepspacewiththevarietyofpowerswithwhichheisfurnished;andthemostrespectableattributesofhisnature,magnanimity,fortitude,andwisdom,carryamanifestreferencetothedifficultieswithwhichheisdestinedtostruggle。
Ifanimalpleasurebecomesinsipidwhenthespiritisrousedbyadifferentobject,itiswellknownlikewise,thatthesenseofpainispreventedbyanyvehementaffectionofthesoul。
Woundsreceivedinaheatofpassion,inthehurry,theardour,orconsternationofbattle,areneverfelttillthefermentofthemindsubsides。Eventorments,deliberatelyapplied,andindustriouslyprolonged,arebornewithfirmness,andwithanappearanceofease,whenthemindispossessedwithsomevigoroussentiment,whetherofreligion,enthusiasm,orlovetomankind。
ThecontinuedmortificationsofsuperstitiousdevoteesinseveralagesoftheChristianchurch;thewildpenances,stillvoluntarilyborne,duringmanyyears,bythereligionistsoftheeast;thecontemptinwhichfamineandtortureareheldbymostsavagenations;thechearfulorobstinatepatienceofthesoldierinthefield;thehardshipsenduredbythesportsmaninhispastime,showhowmuchwemayerrincomputingthemiseriesofmen,fromthemeasuresoftroubleandofsufferingtheyseemtoincur。Andiftherebearefinementinaffirming,thattheirhappinessisnottobemeasuredbythecontraryenjoyments,itisarefinementwhichwasmadebyRegulusandCincinnatusbeforethedateofphilosophy;itisarefinement,whicheveryboyknowsathisplay,andeverysavageconfirms,whenhelooksfromhisforestonthepacificcity,andscornstheplantation,whosemasterhecaresnottoimitate。
Man,itmustbeconfessed,notwithstandingallthisactivityofhismind,isananimalinthefullextentofthatdesignation。
Whenthebodysickens,theminddroops;andwhenthebloodceasestoflow,thesoultakesitsdeparture。Chargedwiththecareofhispreservation,admonishedbyasenseofpleasureorpain,andguardedbyaninstinctivefearofdeath,naturehasnotintrustedhissafetytothemerevigilanceofhisunderstanding,nortothegovernmentofhisuncertainreflections。
Thedistinctionbetwixtmindandbodyisfollowedbyconsequencesofthegreatestimportance;butthefactstowhichwenowrefer,arenotfoundedonanytenetswhatever。Theyareequallytrue,whetherweadmitorrejectthedistinctioninquestion,orwhetherwesuppose,thatthislivingagentisformedofone,orisanassemblageofseparatenatures。Andthematerialist,bytreatingofmanasofanengine,cannotmakeanychangeinthestateofhishistory。Heisabeing,who,byamultiplicityofvisibleorgans,performsavarietyoffunctions。
Hisjointsarebent,andhismusclesrelaxandcontractinoursight;theheartbeatsinhisbreast,andthebloodflowstoeverypartofhisframe。Heperformsotheroperationswhichwecannotrefertoanycorporealorgan。Heperceives,herecollects,andforecasts;hedesires,andheshuns;headmires,andcontemns。Heenjoyshispleasures,orheendureshispain。Allthesedifferentfunctions,insomemeasure,gowellorilltogether。Whenthemotionofthebloodislanguid,themusclesrelax,theunderstandingistardy,andthefancyisdull:whendistemperassailshim,thephysicianmustattendnolesstowhathethinks,thantowhatheeats,andexaminethereturnsofhispassion,togetherwiththestrokesofhispulse。
Withallhissagacity,hisprecautions,andhisinstincts,whicharegiventopreservehisbeing,hepartakesinthefateofotheranimals,andseemstobeformedonlythathemaydie。
Myriadsperishbeforetheyreachtheperfectionoftheirkind;
andtheindividual,withanoptiontoowetheprolongationofhistemporarycoursetoresolutionandconduct,ortoabjectfear,frequentlychusesthelatter,andbyahabitoftimidity,imbittersthelifeheissointenttopreserve。
Man,however,attimes,exemptedfromthismortifyinglot,seemstoactwithoutanyregardtothelengthofhisperiod。Whenhethinksintensely,ordesireswithardour,pleasuresandpainsfromanyotherquarterassailhiminvain。Eveninhisdyinghour,themusclesacquireatonefromhisspirit,andthemindseemstodepartinitsvigour,andinthemidstofastruggletoobtaintherecentaimofitstoils。MuleyMoluck,borneonhislitter,andspentwithdisease,stillfoughtthebattle,inthemidstofwhichheexpired;andthelastefforthemade,withafingeronhislips,wasasignaltoconcealhisdeath:theprecaution,perhaps,ofallwhichhehadhithertotaken,themostnecessarytopreventadefeat。
Cannoreflectionsaidusinacquiringthishabitofthesoul,sousefulincarryingusthroughmanyoftheordinaryscenesoflife?Ifwesay,thattheycannot,therealityofitshappinessisnotthelessevident。TheGreeksandtheRomansconsideredcontemptofpleasure,enduranceofpain,andneglectoflife,aseminentqualitiesofaman,andaprincipalsubjectofdiscipline。Theytrusted,thatthevigorousspiritwouldfindworthyobjectsonwhichtoemployitsforce;andthatthefirststeptowardsaresolutechoiceofsuchobjectswastoshakeoffthemeannessofasolicitousandtimorousmind。
Mankind,ingeneral,havecourtedoccasionstodisplaytheircourage,andfrequently,insearchofadmiration,havepresentedaspectacle,whichtothosewhohaveceasedtoregardfortitudeonitsownaccount,becomesasubjectofhorror。Scevolaheldhisarminthefire,toshakethesoulofPorsenna。Thesavageinureshisbodytothetorture,thatinthehouroftrialhemayexultoverhisenemy。EventheMussulmantearshisfleshtowintheheartofhismistress,andcomesingaiety,streamingwithblood,toshewthathedeservesheresteem。13*
Somenationscarrythepracticeofinflicting,orofsportingwithpain,toadegreethatiseithercruelorabsurd;othersregardeveryprospectofbodilysufferingasthegreatestofevils;andinthemidstoftheirtroubles,imbittereveryrealaffliction,withtheterrorsofafeebleanddejectedimagination。Wearenotboundtoanswerforthefolliesofeither,nor,intreatingaquestionwhichrelatestothenatureofman,makeanestimateofitsstrength,oritsweakness,fromthehabitsorapprehensionspeculiartoanynationorage。
SectionVIII
ThesamesubjectcontinuedWhoeverhascomparedtogetherthedifferentconditionsandmannersofmen,undervarietiesofeducationorfortune,willbesatisfied,thatmeresituationdoesnotconstitutetheirhappinessormisery;noradiversityofexternalobservancesimplyanyoppositionofsentimentsonthesubjectofmorality。
Theyexpresstheirkindnessandtheirenmityindifferentactions;butkindnessorenmityisstilltheprincipalarticleofconsideration。inhumanlife。Theyengageindifferentpursuits,oracquiesceindifferentconditions;butactfrompassionsnearlythesame。Thereisnoprecisemeasureofaccommodationrequiredtosuittheirconveniency,noranydegreeofdangerorsafetyunderwhichtheyarepeculiarlyfittedtoact。Courageandgenerosity,fearandenvy,arenotpeculiartoanystationororderofmen;noristhereanyconditioninwhichsomeofthehumanracehavenotshewn,thatitispossibletoemploy,withpropriety,thetalentsandvirtuesoftheirspecies。
What,then,isthatmysteriousthingcalledHappiness,whichmayhaveplaceinsuchavarietyofstations,andtowhichcircumstancesinoneageornationthoughtnecessary,areinanotherheldtobedestructive,orofnoeffect?Itisnotthesuccessionofmereanimalpleasures,which,apartfromtheoccupationorthecompanyinwhichtheyservetoengagethemind,canfillupbutafewmomentsinthedurationoflife。Ontoofrequentarepetition,thosepleasuresturntosatietyanddisgust;theyteartheconstitutiontowhichtheyareappliedinexcess,and,likethelightningofnight,onlyservetodarkenthegloomthroughwhichtheyoccasionallybreak。Happinessisnotthatstateofrepose,orthatimaginaryfreedomfromcare,whichatadistanceissofrequentanobjectofdesire,butwithitsapproachbringsatedium,oralanguor,moreunsupportablethanpainitself。Iftheprecedingobservationsonthissubjectbejust,itarisesmorefromthepursuit,thanfromtheattainmentofanyendwhatever;andineverynewsituationtowhichwearrive,eveninthecourseofaprosperouslife,itdependsmoreonthedegreeinwhichourmindsareproperlyemployed,thanitdoesonthecircumstancesinwhichwearedestinedtoact,onthematerialswhichareplacedinourhands,orthetoolswithwhichwearefurnished。
Ifthisbeconfessedinrespecttothatclassofpursuitswhicharedistinguishedbythenameofamusement,andwhich,inthecaseofmenwhoarecommonlydeemedthemosthappy,occupythegreaterpartofhumanlife,wemayapprehend,thatitholds,muchmorethaniscommonlysuspected,inmanycasesofbusiness,wheretheendtobegained,andnottheoccupation,issupposedtohavetheprincipalvalue。
Themiserhimself,wearetold,cansometimesconsiderthecareofhiswealthasapastime,andhaschallengedhisheir,tohavemorepleasureinspending,thanheinamassinghisfortune。
Withthisdegreeofindifferencetowhatmaybetheconductofothers;withthisconfinementofhiscaretowhathehaschosenashisownprovince,moreespeciallyifhehasconqueredinhimselfthepassionsofjealousyandenvy,whichtearthecovetousmind;whymaynotthemanwhoseobjectismoney,beunderstoodtoleadalifeofamusementandpleasure,notonlymoreentirethanthatofthespendthrift,butevenasmuchasthevirtuoso,thescholar,themanoftaste,oranyofthatclassofpersonswhohavefoundoutamethodofpassingtheirleisurewithoutoffence,andtowhomtheacquisitionsmade,ortheworksproduced,intheirseveralways,perhaps,areasuselessasthebagtothemiser,orthecountertothosewhoplayfrommeredissipationatanygameofskillorofchance?
Wearesoontiredofdiversionsthatdonotapproachtothenatureofbusiness,thatis,thatdonotengagesomepassion,orgiveanexerciseproportionedtoourtalents,andourfaculties。
Thechaceandthegaming-tablehaveeachtheirdangersanddifficulties,toexciteandemploythemind。Allgamesofcontentionanimateouremulation,andgiveaspeciesofparty-zeal。Themathematicianisonlytobeamusedwithintricateproblems,thelawyerandthecasuistwithcasesthattrytheirsubtilty,andoccupytheirjudgement。
Thedesireofactiveengagements,likeeveryothernaturalappetite,maybecarriedtoexcess;andmenmaydebauchinamusements,aswellasintheuseofwine,orotherintoxicatingliquors。Atfirst,atriflingstake,andtheoccupationofamoderatepassion,mayhaveservedtoamusethegamester;butwhenthedrugbecomesfamiliar,itfailstoproduceitseffect:Theplayismadedeep,andtheinterestincreased,toawakenhisattention;heiscarriedonbydegrees,andintheendcomestoseekforamusement,andtofinditonlyinthosepassionsofanxiety,hope,anddespair,whicharerousedbythehazardintowhichhehasthrownthewholeofhisfortunes。
Ifmencanthusturntheiramusementsintoascenemoreseriousandinterestingthanthatofbusinessitself,itwillbedifficulttoassignareason,whybusiness,andmanyoftheoccupationsofhumanlife,independentofanydistantconsequences,orfutureevents,maynotbechosenasanamusement,andadoptedonaccountofthepastimetheybring。Thisis,perhaps,thefoundationonwhich,withouttheaidofreflection,thecontentedandthechearfulhaverestedthegaietyoftheirtempers。ItisperhapsthemostsolidbasisoffortitudewhichanyreJectioncanlay;andhappinessitselfissecured,bymakingacertainspeciesofconductouramusement;and,byconsideringlife,inthegeneralestimateofitsvalue,aswellasoneveryparticularoccasion,asamerescenefortheexerciseofthemind,andtheengagementsoftheheart。’Iwilltryandattempteverything,’saysBrutus,’Iwillneverceasetorecalmycountryfromthisstateofservility。Iftheeventbefavourable,itwillprovematterofjoytousall;ifnot,yetI,notwithstanding,shallrejoice。’Whyrejoiceinadisappointment?
Whynotbedejected,whenhiscountrywasoverwhelmed?Becausesorrow,perhaps,anddejection,candonogood。Nay,buttheymustbeenduredwhentheycome。Andwhenceshouldtheycometome?mighttheRomansay;Ihavefollowedmymind,andcanfollowitstill。EventsmayhavechangedthesituationinwhichIamdestinedtoact;butcantheyhindermyactingthepartofaman?
Shewmeasituationinwhichamancanneitheractnordie,andI
willownheiswretched。
Whoeverhastheforceofmindsteadilytoviewhumanlifeunderthisaspect,hasonlytochusewellhisoccupations,inordertocommandthatstateofenjoyment,andfreedomofsoul,whichprobablyconstitutethepeculiarfelicitytowhichhisactivenatureisdestined。
Thedispositionsofmen,andconsequentlytheiroccupations,arecommonlydividedintotwoprincipalclasses;theselfish,andthesocial。Thefirstareindulgedinsolitude;andiftheycarryareferencetomankind,itisthatofemulation,competition,andenmity。Thesecondinclineustolivewithourfellow-creatures,andtodothemgood;theytendtounitethemembersofsocietytogether;theyterminateinamutualparticipationoftheircaresandenjoyments,andrenderthepresenceofmenanoccasionofjoy。Underthisclassmaybeenumeratedthepassionsofthesexes,theaffectionsofparentsandchildren,generalhumanity,orsingularattachments;aboveall,thathabitofthesoulbywhichweconsiderourselvesasbutapartofsomebelovedcommunity,andasbutindividualmembersofsomesociety,whosegeneralwelfareistousthesupremeobjectofzeal,andthegreatruleofourconduct。Thisaffectionisaprincipleofcandour,whichknowsnopartialdistinctions,andisconfinedtonobounds:itmayextenditseffectsbeyondourpersonalacquaintance;itmay,inthemind,andinthought,atleast,makeusfeelarelationtotheuniverse,andtothewholecreationofGod。’Shallanyone,’saysAntoninus,’lovethecityofCecrops,andyounotlovethecityofGod?’
Noemotionoftheheartisindifferent。Itiseitheranactofvivacityandjoy,orafeelingofsadness;atransportofpleasure,oraconvulsionofanguish:andtheexercisesofourdifferentdispositions,aswellastheirgratifications,arelikelytoprovematterofthegreatestimportancetoourhappinessormisery。
Theindividualischargedwiththecareofhisanimalpreservation。Hemayexistinsolitude,and,farremovedfromsociety,performmanyfunctionsofsense,imagination,andreason。Heisevenrewardedfortheproperdischargeofthosefunctions;andallthenaturalexerciseswhichrelatetohimself,aswellastohisfellow-creatures,notonlyoccupywithoutdistressinghim,butinmanyinstancesareattendedwithpositivepleasures,andfillupthehoursoflifewithagreeableoccupation。
Thereisadegree,however,inwhichwesupposethatthecareofourselvesbecomesasourceofpainfulanxietyandcruelpassions;inwhichitdegeneratesintoavarice,vanity,orpride;
andinwhich,byfosteringhabitsofjealousyandenvy,offearandmalice,itbecomesasdestructiveofourownenjoyments,asitishostiletothewelfareofmankind。Thisevil,however,isnottobechargeduponanyexcessinthecareofourselves,butuponameremistakeinthechoiceofourobjects。Welookabroadforahappinesswhichistobefoundonlyinthequalitiesoftheheart:wethinkourselvesdependentonaccidents;andarethereforekeptinsuspenseandsolicitude:wethinkourselvesdependentonthewillofothermen;andarethereforeservileandtimid:wethinkourfelicityisplacedinsubjectsforwhichourfellow-creaturesarerivalsandcompetitors;andinpursuitofhappiness,weengageinthosescenesofemulation,envy,hatred,animosity,andrevenge,thatleadtothehighestpitchofdistress。Weact,inshort,asiftopreserveourselvesweretoretainourweakness,andperpetuateoursufferings。Wechargetheillsofadistemperedimagination,andacorruptheart,totheaccountofourfellow-creatures,towhomwereferthepangsofourdisappointmentormalice;andwhilewefosterourmisery,aresurprisedthatthecareofourselvesisattendedwithnobettereffects。Buthewhoremembersthatheisbynaturearationalbeing,andamemberofsociety;thattopreservehimself,istopreservehisreason,andtopreservethebestfeelingsofhisheart;willencounterwithnoneoftheseinconveniencies;andinthecareofhimself,willfindsubjectsonlyofsatisfactionandtriumph。
Thedivisionofourappetitesintobenevolentandselfish,hasprobably,insomedegree,helpedtomisleadourapprehensiononthesubjectofpersonalenjoymentandprivategood;andourzealtoprovethatvirtueisdisinterested,hasnotgreatlypromoteditscause。Thegratificationofaselfishdesire,itisthought,bringsadvantageorpleasuretoourselves;thatofbenevolenceterminatesinthepleasureoradvantageofothers:
whereas,inreality,thegratificationofeverydesireisapersonalenjoyment,anditsvaluebeingproportionedtotheparticularqualityorforceofthesentiment,itmayhappenthatthesamepersonmayreapagreateradvantagefromthegoodfortunehehasprocuredtoanother,thanfromthathehasobtainedforhimself。
Whilethegratificationsofbenevolence,therefore,areasmuchourownasthoseofanyotherdesirewhatever,themereexercisesofthisdispositionare,onmanyaccounts,tobeconsideredasthefirstandtheprincipalconstituentofhumanhappiness。Everyactofkindness,orofcare,intheparenttohischild;everyemotionoftheheart。infriendshiporinlove,inpubliczeal,orgeneralhumanity,aresomanyactsofenjoymentandsatisfaction。Pityitself,andcompassion,evengriefandmelancholy,whengraftedonsometenderaffection,partakeofthenatureofthestock;andiftheyarenotpositivepleasures,areatleastpainsofapeculiarnature,whichwedonotevenwishtoexchangebutforaveryrealenjoyment,obtainedinrelievingourobject。Evenextremes,inthisclassofourdispositions,astheyarethereverseofhatred,envy,andmalice,sotheyareneverattendedwiththoseexcruciatinganxieties,jealousies,andfears,whichteartheinterestedmind;
orif,inreality,anyillpassionarisefromapretendedattachmenttoourfellow-creatures,thatattachmentmaybesafelycondemned,asnotgenuine。Ifwebedistrustfulorjealous,ourpretendedaffectionisprobablynomorethanadesireofattentionandpersonalconsideration,amotivewhichfrequentlyinclinesustobeconnectedwithourfellow-creatures;buttowhichweareasfrequentlywillingtosacrificetheirhappiness。
Weconsiderthemasthetoolsofourvanity,pleasure,orinterest;notasthepartiesonwhomwemaybestowtheeffectsofourgood-will,andourlove。
Aminddevotedtothisclassofitsaffections,beingoccupiedwithanobjectthatmayengageithabitually,isnotreducedtocourttheamusementsorpleasureswithwhichpersonsofanilltemperareobligedtorepairtheirdisgusts:andtemperancebecomesaneasytaskwhengratificationsofsensearesupplantedbythoseoftheheart。Couragetooismosteasilyassumed,orisratherinseparablefromthatardourofthemind,insociety,friendship,orinpublicaction,whichmakesusforgetsubjectsofpersonalanxietyorfear,andattendchieflytotheobjectofourzealoraffection,nottothetriflinginconveniencies,dangers,orhardships,whichweourselvesmayencounterinstrivingtomaintainit。
Itshouldseem,therefore,tobethehappinessofman,tomakehissocialdispositionstherulingspringofhisoccupations;tostatehimselfasthememberofacommunity,forwhosegeneralgoodhisheartmayglowwithanardentzeal,tothesuppressionofthosepersonalcareswhicharethefoundationofpainfulanxieties,fear,jealousy,andenvy;or,asMrPopeexpressesthesamesentiment;
’Man,likethegenerousvine,supportedlives;
Thestrengthhegains,isfromth’embracehegives。’14*
Ifthisbethegoodoftheindividual,itislikewisethatofmankind;andvirtuenolongerimposesataskbywhichweareobligedtobestowuponothersthatgoodfromwhichweourselvesrefrain;butsupposes,inthehighestdegree,aspossessedbyourselves,thatstateoffelicitywhichwearerequiredtopromoteintheworld。
Wecommonlyapprehend,thatitisourdutytodokindnesses,andourhappinesstoreceivethem:butif,inreality,courage,andaheartdevotedtothegoodofmankind,aretheconstituentsofhumanfelicity,thekindnesswhichisdoneinfersahappinessinthepersonfromwhomitproceeds,notinhimonwhomitisbestowed;andthegreatestgoodwhichmenpossessedoffortitudeandgenerositycanprocuretotheirfellow-creatures,isaparticipationofthishappycharacter。’Youwillconferthegreatestbenefitonyourcity,’saysEpictetus,’notbyraisingtheroofs,butbyexaltingthesoulsofyourfellow-citizens;foritisbetterthatgreatsoulsshouldliveinsmallhabitations,thanthatabjectslavesshouldburrowingreathouses。’15*
Tothebenevolent,thesatisfactionofothersisagroundofenjoyment;andexistenceitself,inaworldthatisgovernedbythewisdomofGod,isablessing。Themind,freedfromcaresthatleadtopusillanimityandmeanness,becomescalm,active,fearless,andbold;capableofeveryenterprise,andvigorousintheexerciseofeverytalent,bywhichthenatureofmanisadorned。Onthisfoundationwasraisedtheadmirablecharacter,which,duringacertainperiodoftheirstory,distinguishedthecelebratednationsofantiquity,andrenderedfamiliarandordinaryintheirmanners,examplesofmagnanimity,which,undergovernmentslessfavourabletothepublicaffections,rarelyoccur;orwhich,withoutbeingmuchpractised,orevenunderstood,aremadesubjectsofadmirationandswellingpanegyric。’Thus,’saysXenophon,’diedThrasybulus;whoindeedappearstohavebeenagoodman。’Whatvaluablepraise,andhowsignificanttothosewhoknowthestoryofthisadmirableperson!
Themembersofthoseillustriousstates,fromthehabitofconsideringthemselvesaspartofacommunity,oratleastasdeeplyinvolvedwithsomeorderofmeninthestate,wereregardlessofpersonalconsiderations。theyhadaperpetualviewtoobjectswhichexciteagreatardourinthesoul;whichledthemtoactperpetuallyintheviewoftheirfellow-citizens,andtopractisethoseartsofdeliberation,elocution,policy,andwar,onwhichthefortunesofnations,orofmen,intheircollectivebody,depend。Totheforceofmindcollectedinthiscareer,andtotheimprovementsofwitwhichweremadeinpursuingit,thesenationsowed,notonlytheirmagnanimity,andthesuperiorityoftheirpoliticalandmilitaryconduct,buteventheartsofpoetryandliterature,whichamongthemwereonlytheinferiorappendagesofageniusotherwiseexcited,cultivated,andrefined。
TotheancientGreek,ortheRoman,theindividualwasnothing,andthepubliceverything。Tothemodern,intoomanynationsofEurope,theindividualiseverything,andthepublicnothing。Thestateismerelyacombinationofdepartments,inwhichconsideration,wealth,eminence,orpower,areofferedastherewardofservice。Itwasthenatureofmoderngovernment,eveninitsfirstinstitution,tobestowoneveryindividualafixedstationanddignity,whichhewastomaintainforhimself。
Ourancestors,inrudeages,duringtherecessofwarsfromabroad,foughtfortheirpersonalclaimsathome,andbytheircompetitions,andthebalanceoftheirpowers,maintainedakindofpoliticalfreedominthestate,whileprivatepartiesweresubjecttocontinualwrongsandoppressions。Theirposterity,intimesmorepolished,haverepressedthecivildisordersinwhichtheactivityofearlierageschieflyconsisted;buttheyemploythecalmtheyhavegained,notinfosteringazealforthoselaws,andthatconstitutionofgovernment,towhichtheyowetheirprotection,butinpractisingapart,andeachforhimself,theseveralartsofpersonaladvancement,orprofit,whichtheirpoliticalestablishmentsmayenablethemtopursuewithsuccess。
Commerce,whichmaybesupposedtocomprehendeverylucrativeart,isaccordinglyconsideredasthegreatobjectofnations,andtheprincipalstudyofmankind。
Somuchareweaccustomedtoconsiderpersonalfortuneasthesoleobjectofcare,thatevenunderpopularestablishments,andinstateswheredifferentordersofmenaresummonedtopartakeinthegovernmentoftheircountry,andwherethelibertiestheyenjoycannotbelongpreserved,withoutvigilanCeandactivityonthepartofthesubject;stillthey,who,inthevulgarphrase,havenottheirfortunestomake,aresupposedtobeatalossforoccupation,andbetakethemselvestosolitarypastimes,orcultivatewhattheyarepleasedtocallatasteforgardening,building,drawing,ormusic。Withthisaid,theyendeavourtofilluptheblanksofalistlesslife,andavoidthenecessityofcuringtheirlanguorsbyanypositiveservicetotheircountry,ortomankind。
Theweakorthemaliciousarewellemployedinanythingthatisinnocent,andarefortunateinfindinganyoccupationwhichpreventstheeffectsofatemperthatwouldpreyuponthemselves,orupontheirfellow-creatures。Buttheywhoareblessedwithahappydisposition,withcapacityandvigour,incurarealdebauchery,byhavinganyamusementthatoccupiesanimpropershareoftheirtime;andarereallycheatedoftheirhappiness,inbringmadetobelieve,thatanyoccupationorpastimeisbetterfittedtoamusethemselves,thanthatwhichatthesametimeproducessomerealgoodtotheirfellow-creatures。
Thissortofentertainment,indeed,cannotbethechoiceofthemercenary,theenvious,orthemalignant。Itsvalueisknownonlytopersonsofanoppositetemper;andtotheirexperiencealoneweappeal。Guidedbymeredisposition,andwithouttheaidofreflection,inbusiness,infriendship,andinpubliclife,theyoftenacquitthemselveswell;andbornewithsatisfactiononthetideoftheiremotionsandsentiments,enjoythepresenthour,withoutrecollectionofthepast,orhopesofthefuture。
Itisinspeculation,notinpractice,theyaremadetodiscover,thatvirtueisataskofseverityandself-denial。
SectionIX
OfNationalFelicityManis,bynature,thememberofacommunity;andwhenconsideredinthiscapacity,theindividualappearstobenolongermadeforhimself。Hemustforegohishappinessandhisfreedom,wheretheseinterferewiththegoodofsociety。Heisonlypartofawhole;andthepraisewethinkduetohisvirtue,isbutabranchofthatmoregeneralcommendationwebestowonthememberofabody,onthepartofafabricorengine,forbeingwellfittedtooccupyitsplace,andtoproduceitseffect。
Ifthisfollowfromtherelationofaparttoitswhole,andifthepublicgoodbetheprincipalobjectwithindividuals,itislikewisetrue,thatthehappinessofindividualsisthegreatendofcivilsociety:forinwhatsensecanapublicenjoyanygood,ifitsmembers,consideredapart,beunhappy?
Theinterestsofsociety,however,andofitsmembers,areeasilyreconciled。Iftheindividualoweeverydegreeofconsiderationtothepublic,hereceives,inpayingthatveryconsideration,thegreatesthappinessofwhichhisnatureiscapable;andthegreatestblessingthatthepubliccanbestowonitsmembers,istokeepthemattachedtoitself。Thatisthemosthappystate,whichismostbelovedbyitssubjects;andtheyarethemosthappymen,whoseheartsareengagedtoacommunity,inwhichtheyfindeveryobjectofgenerosityandzeal,andascopetotheexerciseofeverytalent,andofeveryvirtuousdisposition。
Afterwehavethusfoundgeneralmaxims,thegreaterpartofourtroubleremains,theirjustapplicationtoparticularcases。
Nationsaredifferentinrespecttotheirextent,numbersofpeople,andwealth;inrespecttotheartstheypractise,andtheaccommodationstheyhaveprocured。Thesecircumstancesmaynotonlyaffectthemannersofmen;theyeven,inouresteem,comeintocompetitionwiththearticleofmannersitself;aresupposedtoconstituteanationalfelicity,independentofvirtue;andgiveatitle,uponwhichweindulgeourownvanity,andthatofothernations,aswedothatofprivatemen,onthescoreoftheirfortunesandhonours。
Butifthiswayofmeasuringhappiness,whenappliedtoprivatemen,beruinousandfalse,itissonolesswhenappliedtonations。Wealth,commerce,extentofterritory,andtheknowledgeofarts,are,whenproperlyemployed,themeansofpreservation,andthefoundationsofpower。Iftheyfailinpart,thenationisweakened;iftheywereentirelywith-held,theracewouldperish:theirtendencyistomaintainnumbersofmen,butnottoconstitutehappiness。Theywillaccordinglymaintainthewretched,aswellasthehappy。Theyansweronepurpose,butarenotthereforesufficientforall;andareoflittlesignificance,whenonlyemployedtomaintainatimid,dejected,andservilepeople。
Greatandpowerfulstatesareabletoovercomeandsubduetheweak;polishedandcommercialnationshavemorewealth,andpractiseagreatervarietyofarts,thantherude:butthehappinessofmen,inallcasesalike,consistsintheblessingsofacandid,anactive,andstrenuousmind。Andifweconsiderthestateofsocietymerelyasthatintowhichmankindareledbytheirpropensities,asastatetobevaluedfromitseffectinpreservingthespecies,inripeningtheirtalents,andexcitingtheirvirtues,weneednotenlargeourcommunities,inordertoenjoytheseadvantages。Wefrequentlyobtaintheminthemostremarkabledegree,wherenationsremainindependent,andareofasmallextent。
Toincreasethenumbersofmankind,maybeadmittedasagreatandimportantobject:buttoextendthelimitsofanyparticularstate,isnot,perhaps,thewaytoobtainit;whilewedesirethatourfellow-creaturesshouldmultiply,itdoesnotfollow,thatthewholeshould,ifpossible,beunitedunderonehead。WeareapttoadmiretheempireoftheRomans,asamodelofnationalgreatnessandsplendour:butthegreatnessweadmireinthiscase,wasruinoustothevirtueandthehappinessofmankind;itwasfoundtobeinconsistentwithalltheadvantageswhichthatconqueringpeoplehadformerlyenjoyedinthearticlesofgovernmentandmanners。
Theemulationofnationsproceedsfromtheirdivision。A
clusterofstates,likeacompanyofmen,findtheexerciseoftheirreason,andthetestoftheirvirtues,intheaffairstheytransact,uponafootofequality,andofseparateinterest。Themeasurestakenforsafety,includinggreatpartofthenationalpolicy,arerelativeineverystatetowhatisapprehendedfromabroad。AthenswasnecessarytoSparta,intheexerciseofhervirtue,assteelistoflintintheproductionoffire;andifthecitiesofGreecehadbeenunitedunderonehead,weshouldneverhaveheardofEpaminondasorThrasybulus,ofLycurgusorSolon。
Whenwereasoninbehalfofourspecies,therefore,althoughwemaylamenttheabuseswhichsometimesarisefromindependence,andoppositionofinterest;yet,whilstanydegreesofvirtueremainwithmankind,wecannotwishtocroud,underoneestablishment,numbersofmenwhomayservetoconstituteseveral;ortocommitaffairstotheconductofonesenate,onelegislativeorexecutivepower,which,uponadistinctandseparatefooting,mightfurnishanexerciseofability,andatheatreofglory,tomany。
Thismaybeasubjectuponwhichnodeterminaterulecanbegiven,buttheadmirationofboundlessdominionisaruinouserror;andinnoinstance,perhaps,istherealinterestofmankindmoreentirelymistaken。
Themeasureofenlargementtobewishedforanyparticularstate,isoftentobetakenfromtheconditionofitsneighbours。
Whereanumberofstatesarecontiguous,theyshouldbenearanequality,inorderthattheymaybemutuallyobjectsofrespectandconsideration,andinorderthattheymaypossessthatindependenceinwhichthepoliticallifeofanationconsists。
WhenthekingdomsofSpainwereunited,whenthegreatfiefsinFrancewereannexedtothecrown,itwasnolongerexpedientforthenationsofGreatBritaintocontinuedisjoined。
ThesmallrepublicsofGreece,indeed,bytheirsubdivisions,andthebalanceoftheirpower,foundalmostineveryvillagetheobjectofnations。Everylittledistrictwasanurseryofexcellentmen,andwhatisnowthewretchedcornerofagreatempire,wasthefieldonwhichmankindhavereapedtheirprincipalhonours。ButinmodernEurope,republicsofasimilarextent,arelikeshrubs,undertheshadeofatallerwood,chokedbytheneighbourhoodofmorepowerfulstates。Intheircase,acertaindisproportionofforcefrustrates,inagreatmeasure,theadvantageofseparation。TheyarelikethetraderinPoland,whoisthemoredespicable,andthelesssecure,thatheisneithermasternorslave。
Independentcommunities,inthemeantime,howeverweak,areaversetoacoalition,notonlywhereitcomeswithanairofimposition,orunequaltreaty,butevenwhereitimpliesnomorethantheadmissionofnewmemberstoanequalshareofconsiderationwiththeold。Thecitizenhasnointerestintheannexationofkingdoms;hemustfindhisimportancediminished,asthestateisenlarged:butambitiousmen,undertheenlargementofterritory,findamoreplentifulharvestofpower,andofwealth,whilegovernmentitselfisaneasiertask。Hencetheruinousprogressofempire;andhencefreenations,undertheshewofacquiringdominion,sufferthemselves,intheend,tobeyokedwiththeslavestheyhadconquered。
Ourdesiretoaugmenttheforceofanationistheonlypretextforenlargingitsterritory;butthismeasure,whenpursuedtoextremes,seldomfailstofrustrateitself。
Notwithstandingtheadvantageofnumbers,andsuperiorresourcesinwar,thestrengthofanationisderivedfromthecharacter,notfromthewealth,norfromthemultitudeofitspeople。Ifthetreasureofastatecanhirenumbersofmen,erectramparts,andfurnishtheimplementsofwar;thepossessionsofthefearfulareeasilyseized;atimorousmultitudefallsintoroutofitself;rampartsmaybescaledwheretheyarenotdefendedbyvalour;andarmsareofconsequenceonlyinthehandsofthebrave。ThebandtowhichAgesilauspointedasthewallofhiscity,madeadefencefortheircountrymorepermanent,andmoreeffectual,thantherockandthecementwithwhichothercitieswerefortified。
Weshouldowelittletothatstatesmanwhoweretocontriveadefencethatmightsupersedetheexternalusesofvirtue。Itiswiselyorderedforman,asarationalbeing,thattheemploymentofreasonisnecessarytohispreservation:itisfortunateforhim,inthepursuitofdistinction,thathispersonalconsiderationdependsonhischaracter;anditisfortunatefornations,that,inordertobepowerfulandsafe,theymuststrivetomaintainthecourage,andcultivatethevirtues,oftheirpeople。Bytheuseofsuchmeans,theyatoncegaintheirexternalends,andarehappy。
Peaceandunanimityarecommonlyconsideredastheprincipalfoundationsofpublicfelicity;yettherivalshipofseparatecommunities,andtheagitationsofafreepeople,aretheprinciplesofpoliticallife,andtheschoolofmen。Howshallwereconcilethesejarringandoppositetenets?Itis,perhaps,notnecessarytoreconcilethem,’Thepacificmaydowhattheycantoallaytheanimosities,andtoreconciletheopinions,ofmen;anditwillbehappyiftheycansucceedinrepressingtheircrimes,andincalmingtheworstoftheirpassions。Nothing,inthemeantime,butcorruptionorslaverycansuppressthedebatesthatsubsistamongmenofintegrity,whobearanequalpartintheadministrationofstate。
Aperfectagreementinmattersofopinionisnottobeobtained,andifitwere,whatwouldbecomeinthemostselectcompany’ofsociety?’TheSpartanlegislator,’saysPlutarch,’appearstohavesowntheseedsofvarianceanddissensionamonghiscountrymen:hemeantthatgoodcitizensshouldbeledtodispute;heconsideredemulationasthebrandbywhichtheirvirtueswerekindled;andseemedtoapprehend,thatacomplaisance,bywhichmensubmittheiropinionswithoutexamination,isaprincipalsourceofcorruption。’
Formsofgovernmentaresupposedtodecideofthehappinessormiseryofmankind。Butformsofgovernmentmustbevaried,inordertosuittheextent,thewayofsubsistence,thecharacter,andthemannersofdifferentnations。Insomecases,themultitudemaybesufferedtogovernthemselves;inothers,theymustbeseverelyrestrained。Theinhabitantsofavillageinsomeprimitiveage,mayhavebeensafelyintrustedtotheconductofreason,andtothesuggestionoftheirinnocentviews;butthetenantsofNewgatecanscarcelybetrusted,withchainslockedtotheirbodies,andbarsofironfixedtotheirlegs。Howisitpossible,therefore,tofindanysingleformofgovernmentthatwouldsuitmankindineverycondition?
Weproceed,however,inthefollowingsection,topointoutthedistinctions,andtoexplainthelanguagewhichoccursinthisplace,ontheheadofdifferentmodelsforsubordinationandgovernment。