BOOK II PART I
whether the causes, that produce the passion,
be as natural as the object, to which it is di-
rected, and whether all that vast variety pro-
ceeds from caprice or from the constitution of
the mind. This doubt we shall soon remove, if
we cast our eye upon human nature, and con-
sider that in all nations and ages, the same ob-
jects still give rise to pride and humility; and
that upon the view even of a stranger, we can
know pretty nearly, what will either encrease
or diminish his passions of this kind. If there
be any variation in this particular, it proceeds
from nothing but a difference in the tempers
and complexions of men; and is besides very
inconsiderable. Can we imagine it possible,
that while human nature remains the same,
men will ever become entirely indifferent to
their power, riches, beauty or personal merit,
and that their pride and vanity will not be af-