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714. Comeuppance; Fame; Vanity
"It is common to consider those whom we find infected with an
unreasonable regard for trifling accomplishments, as chargeable
with all the consequences of their folly, and as the authors of
their own unhappiness; but, perhaps, those whom we thus scorn or
detest have more claim to tenderness than has been yet allowed to
them. Before we permit our severity to break loose upon any
fault or error, we ought surely to consider how much we have
countenanced or promoted it. We see multitudes busied in the
pursuits of riches, at the expense of wisdom or virtue; but we
see the rest of mankind approving their conduct, and inciting
their eagerness, by paying that regard and deference to wealth
which wisdom and virtue only can deserve."
Johnson: Rambler #66 (November 3, 1750)
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