BOOK III PART III
small cities and principalities: And the histo-
ries of wars and revolutions more than those of
peace and order. We sympathize with the per-
sons that suffer, in all the various sentiments
which belong to their fortunes. The mind is oc-
cupied by the multitude of the objects, and by
the strong passions, that display themselves.
And this occupation or agitation of the mind is
commonly agreeable and amusing. The same
theory accounts for the esteem and regard we
pay to men of extraordinary parts and abilities.
The good and ill of multitudes are connected
with their actions. Whatever they undertake is
important, and challenges our attention. Noth-
ing is to be over-looked and despised, that re-
gards them. And where any person can excite
these sentiments, he soon acquires our esteem;
unless other circumstances of his character ren-
der him odious and disagreeable.