He reflects, then, since to observe and experiment is to reflect; he reasons, since he cannot help reasoning.

In reflecting, he becomes deluded; in reasoning, he makes mistakes, and, thinking himself right, persists in them.

He is wedded to his opinions; he esteems himself, and despises others.

Consequently, he isolates himself; for he could not submit to the majority without renouncing his will and his reason,--that is, without disowning himself, which is impossible.

And this isolation, this intellectual egotism, this individuality of opinion, lasts until the truth is demonstrated to him by observation and experience.