[Footnote:  There is something extraordinary, and seemingly unaccountable in the operation of our passions, when we consider the fortune and situation of others.  Very often another’s advancement and prosperity produces envy, which has a strong mixture of hatred, and arises chiefly from the comparison of ourselves with the person.  At the very same time, or at least in very short intervals, we may feel the passion of respect, which is a species of affection or good-will, with a mixture of humility.  On the other hand, the misfortunes of our fellows often cause pity, which has in it a strong mixture of good-will.  This sentiment of pity is nearly allied to contempt, which is a species of dislike, with a mixture of pride.  I only point out these phenomena, as a subject of speculation to such as are curious with regard to moral enquiries.  It is sufficient for the present purpose to observe in general, that power and riches commonly cause respect, poverty and meanness contempt, though particular views and incidents may sometimes raise the passions of envy and of pity.]

A man who has cured himself of all ridiculous pre-possessions, and is fully, sincerely, and steadily convinced, from experience as well as philosophy, that the difference of fortune makes less difference in happiness than is vulgarly imagined; such a one does not measure out degrees of esteem according to the rent-rolls of his acquaintance.  He may, indeed, externally pay a superior deference to the great lord above the vassal; because riches are the most convenient, being the most fixed and determinate, source of distinction.  But his internal sentiments are more regulated by the personal characters of men, than by the accidental and capricious favours of fortune.

In most countries of Europe, family, that is, hereditary riches, marked with titles and symbols from the sovereign, is the chief source of distinction.  In England, more regard is paid to present opulence and plenty.  Each practice has its advantages and disadvantages.  Where birth is respected, unactive, spiritless minds remain in haughty indolence, and dream of nothing but pedigrees and genealogies:  the generous and ambitious seek honour and authority, and reputation and favour.  Where riches are the chief idol, corruption, venality, rapine prevail:  arts, manufactures, commerce, agriculture flourish.  The former prejudice, being favourable to military virtue, is more suited to monarchies.  The latter, being the chief spur to industry, agrees better with a republican government.  And we accordingly find that each of these forms of government, by varying the utility of those customs, has commonly a proportionable effect on the sentiments of mankind.

SECTION VII.

Of qualities immediately agreeable to ourselves.