The Essays of Arthur Schopenhauer; Studies in Pessimism by Arthur Schopenhauer
page 48 of 103 (46%)
page 48 of 103 (46%)
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a tailor's tape, and we have to put up with it: as also that no one
will allow us to be taller than himself--a supposition which is once for all taken for granted. * * * * * There is no doubt that many a man owes his good fortune in life solely to the circumstance that he has a pleasant way of smiling, and so wins the heart in his favor. However, the heart would do better to be careful, and to remember what Hamlet put down in his tablets--_that one may smile, and smile, and be a villain_. * * * * * Everything that is really fundamental in a man, and therefore genuine works, as such, unconsciously; in this respect like the power of nature. That which has passed through the domain of consciousness is thereby transformed into an idea or picture; and so if it comes to be uttered, it is only an idea or picture which passes from one person to another. Accordingly, any quality of mind or character that is genuine and lasting, is originally unconscious; and it is only when unconsciously brought into play that it makes a profound impression. If any like quality is consciously exercised, it means that it has been worked up; it becomes intentional, and therefore matter of affectation, in other words, of deception. |
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