BOOK III PART III
to blame or praise.
Before I leave this subject of natural abilities,
I must observe, that, perhaps, one source of
the esteem and affection, which attends them,
is derived from the importance and weight,
which they bestow on the person possessed of
them. He becomes of greater consequence in
life. His resolutions and actions affect a greater
number of his fellow-creatures. Both his friend-
ship and enmity are of moment. And it is easy
to observe, that whoever is elevated, after this
manner, above the rest of mankind, must ex-
cite in us the sentiments of esteem and appro-
bation. Whatever is important engages our at-
tention, fixes our thought, and is contemplated
with satisfaction. The histories of kingdoms
are more interesting than domestic stories: The
histories of great empires more than those of