We do not content ourselves with the life we have in ourselves and in our own being; we desire to live an imaginary life in the mind of others, and for this purpose we endeavour to shine.  We labour unceasingly to adorn and preserve this imaginary existence, and neglect the real.  And if we possess calmness, or generosity, or truthfulness, we are eager to make it known, so as to attach these virtues to that imaginary existence.  We would rather separate them from ourselves to join them to it; and we would willingly be cowards in order to acquire the reputation of being brave.  A great proof of the nothingness of our being, not to be satisfied with the one without the other, and to renounce the one for the other!  For he would be infamous who would not die to preserve his honour.

148

We are so presumptuous that we would wish to be known by all the world, even by people who shall come after, when we shall be no more; and we are so vain that the esteem of five or six neighbours delights and contents us.

149

We do not trouble ourselves about being esteemed in the towns through which we pass.  But if we are to remain a little while there, we are so concerned.  How long is necessary?  A time commensurate with our vain and paltry life.

150

Vanity is so anchored in the heart of man that a soldier, a soldier’s servant, a cook, a porter brags, and wishes to have his admirers.  Even philosophers wish for them.  Those who write against it want to have the glory of having written well;[72] and those who read it desire the glory of having read it.  I who write this have perhaps this desire, and perhaps those who will read it ...

151

Glory.—­Admiration spoils all from infancy.  Ah!  How well said!  Ah!  How well done!  How well-behaved he is! etc.

The children of Port-Royal, who do not receive this stimulus of envy and glory, fall into carelessness.

152

Pride.—­Curiosity is only vanity.  Most frequently we wish to know but to talk.  Otherwise we would not take a sea voyage in order never to talk of it, and for the sole pleasure of seeing without hope of ever communicating it.

153

Of the desire of being esteemed by those with whom we are.—­Pride takes such natural possession of us in the midst of our woes, errors, etc.  We even lose our life with joy, provided people talk of it.

Vanity:  play, hunting, visiting, false shame, a lasting name.

154

[I have no friends] to your advantage].

155

A true friend is so great an advantage, even for the greatest lords, in order that he may speak well of them, and back them in their absence, that they should do all to have one.  But they should choose well; for, if they spend all their efforts in the interests of fools, it will be of no use, however well these may speak of them; and these will not even speak well of them if they find themselves on the weakest side, for they have no influence; and thus they will speak ill of them in company.