BOOK III PART III
fix on some steady and general points of view;
and always, in our thoughts, place ourselves in
them, whatever may be our present situation.
In like manner, external beauty is determined
merely by pleasure; and it is evident, a beauti-
ful countenance cannot give so much pleasure,
when seen at the distance of twenty paces, as
when it is brought nearer us. We say not, how-
ever, that it appears to us less beautiful: Be-
cause we know what effect it will have in such
a position, and by that reflection we correct its
momentary appearance.
In general, all sentiments of blame or praise
are variable, according to our situation of near-
ness or remoteness, with regard to the per-
son blamed or praised, and according to the
present disposition of our mind. But these vari-
ations we regard not in our general decision,