This diseased state of mind arises mainly, I presume, from excessive vanity.

No Parisian is able to believe anything which displeases him, and he is unable not to believe anything which flatters his _amour propre_.

He starts in life with a series of delusions, which all he has read and heard until now have confirmed.

No journal dares to tell the truth, for if it did its circulation would fall to nothing.

No Parisian, even if by an effort he could realise to himself the actual condition of his country, would dare to communicate his opinion to his neighbour, for he would be regarded as a traitor and a liar.