Of course, it is no easy matter to be polite; in so far, I mean, as it requires us to show great respect for everybody, whereas most people deserve none at all; and again in so far as it demands that we should feign the most lively interest in people, when we must be very glad that we have nothing to do with them.  To combine politeness with pride is a masterpiece of wisdom.

We should be much less ready to lose our temper over an insult,—­which, in the strict sense of the word, means that we have not been treated with respect,—­if, on the one hand, we have not such an exaggerated estimate of our value and dignity—­that is to say, if we were not so immensely proud of ourselves; and, on the other hand, if we had arrived at any clear notion of the judgment which, in his heart, one man generally passes upon another.  If most people resent the slightest hint that any blame attaches to them, you may imagine their feelings if they were to overhear what their acquaintance say about them.  You should never lose sight of the fact that ordinary politeness is only a grinning mask:  if it shifts its place a little, or is removed for a moment, there is no use raising a hue and cry.  When a man is downright rude, it is as though he had taken off all his clothes, and stood before you in puris naturalibus.  Like most men in this condition, he does not present a very attractive appearance.

SECTION 37.  You ought never to take any man as a model for what you should do or leave undone; because position and circumstances are in no two cases alike, and difference of character gives a peculiar, individual tone to what a man does.  Hence duo cum faciunt idem, non est idem—­two persons may do the same thing with a different result.  A man should act in accordance with his own character, as soon as he has carefully deliberated on what he is about to do.

The outcome of this is that originality cannot be dispensed with in practical matters:  otherwise, what a man does will not accord with what he is.

SECTION 38.  Never combat any man’s opinion; for though you reached the age of Methuselah, you would never have done setting him right upon all the absurd things that he believes.

It is also well to avoid correcting people’s mistakes in conversation, however good your intentions may be; for it is easy to offend people, and difficult, if not impossible, to mend them.

If you feel irritated by the absurd remarks of two people whose conversation you happen to overhear, you should imagine that you are listening to a dialogue of two fools in a comedy. Probatum est.

The man who comes into the world with the notion that he is really going to instruct in matters of the highest importance, may thank his stars if he escapes with a whole skin.