And that this circumstance has a considerable effect in augmenting its influence, will appear afterwards in examining the nature of malice and envy.
SECT.

XI OF THE LOVE OF FAME But beside these original causes of pride and humility, there is a secondary one in the opinions of others, which has an equal influence on the affections.

Our reputation, our character, our name are considerations of vast weight and importance; and even the other causes of pride; virtue, beauty and riches; have little influence, when not seconded by the opinions and sentiments of others.

In order to account for this phaenomenon it will be necessary to take some compass, and first explain the nature of sympathy.
No quality of human nature is more remarkable, both in itself and in its consequences, than that propensity we have to sympathize with others, and to receive by communication their inclinations and sentiments, however different from, or even contrary to our own.

This is not only conspicuous in children, who implicitly embrace every opinion proposed to them; but also in men of the greatest judgment and understanding, who find it very difficult to follow their own reason or inclination, in opposition to that of their friends and daily companions.