The Present State of Wit (1711) - In a Letter to a Friend in the Country by John Gay
page 52 of 54 (96%)
page 52 of 54 (96%)
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No body is so well acquainted with himself, as to know his own _Mind_ at
all times. Every body complains of his _Memory_, but no body of his _Judgment_. There is a kind of general _Revolution_, not more visible in the turn it gives to the Fortunes of the _World_, than it is in the Change of Men's _Understandings_, and the different Relish or _Wit_. Men often think to conduct and govern themselves, when all the while they are led and manag'd; and while their _Understanding_ aims at one thing, their _Heart_ insensibly draws them into another. Great _Souls_ are not distinguish'd by having less _Passion_, and more _Virtue_; but by having nobler and greater Designs than the _Vulgar_. We allow few Men to be either _Witty_ or Reasonable, besides those who are of our own Opinion. We are as much pleas'd to discover another Man's _Mind_, as we are discontented to have our own found out. A straight and well-contriv'd _Mind_, finds it easier to yield to a perverse one, than to direct and manage it. _Coxcombs_ are never so troublesome, as when they pretend to _Wit_. A little _Wit_ with _Discretion_, tires less at long-run, than much _Wit_ without _Judgment_. |
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