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where pity itself is regarded by him as impurity, as filth.
- Signs of nobility: never to think of lowering our du-
ties to the rank of duties for everybody; to be unwilling to
renounce or to share our responsibilities; to count our pre-
rogatives, and the exercise of them, among our DUTIES. - A man who strives after great things, looks upon every
one whom he encounters on his way either as a means of
advance, or a delay and hindrance—or as a temporary rest-
ing-place. His peculiar lofty BOUNTY to his fellow-men
is only possible when he attains his elevation and domi-
nates. Impatience, and the consciousness of being always
condemned to comedy up to that time—for even strife is a
comedy, and conceals the end, as every means does—spoil
all intercourse for him; this kind of man is acquainted with
solitude, and what is most poisonous in it. - THE PROBLEM OF THOSE WHO WAIT.—Happy
chances are necessary, and many incalculable elements, in
order that a higher man in whom the solution of a prob-
lem is dormant, may yet take action, or ‘break forth,’ as one
might say—at the right moment. On an average it DOES
NOT happen; and in all corners of the earth there are wait-
ing ones sitting who hardly know to what extent they are
waiting, and still less that they wait in vain. Occasional-
ly, too, the waking call comes too late—the chance which
gives ‘permission’ to take action—when their best youth,
and strength for action have been used up in sitting still;