BOOK III PART III
is more indispensibly requisite to procure the
esteem and approbation of mankind. There
are certain deferences and mutual submissions,
which custom requires of the different ranks of
men towards each other; and whoever exceeds
in this particular, if through interest, is accused
of meanness; if through ignorance, of simplic-
ity. It is necessary, therefore, to know our rank
and station in the world, whether it be fixed
by our birth, fortune, employments, talents or
reputation. It is necessary to feel the sentiment
and passion of pride in conformity to it, and to
regulate our actions accordingly. And should
it be said, that prudence may suffice to regu-
late our actions in this particular, without any
real pride, I would observe, that here the ob-
ject of prudence is to conform our actions to the
general usage and custom; and, that it is im-
possible those tacit airs of superiority should