All these various mixtures and compositions and appearances of sentiment from a very curious subject of speculation, but are wide for our present purpose.

Throughout this enquiry, we always consider in general, what qualities are a subject of praise or of censure, without entering into all the minute differences of sentiment, which they excite.

It is evident, that whatever is contemned, is also disliked, as well as what is hated; and we here endeavour to take objects, according to their most simple views and appearances.

These sciences are but too apt to appear abstract to common readers, even with all the precautions which we can take to clear them from superfluous speculations, and bring them down to every capacity.] Most people, I believe, will naturally, without premeditation, assent to the definition of the elegant and judicious poet: Virtue (for mere good-nature is a fool) Is sense and spirit with humanity.
[Footnote: The Art of preserving Health.

Book 4] What pretensions has a man to our generous assistance or good offices, who has dissipated his wealth in profuse expenses, idle vanities, chimerical projects, dissolute pleasures or extravagant gaming?
These vices (for we scruple not to call them such) bring misery unpitied, and contempt on every one addicted to them.
Achaeus, a wise and prudent prince, fell into a fatal snare, which cost him his crown and life, after having used every reasonable precaution to guard himself against it.