BOOK II PART I
ceive the minuteness of the latter, and be in
some measure ashamed of the comparison and
resemblance.
The relation, therefore, of contiguity, or that
of causation, betwixt the cause and object of
pride and humility, is alone requisite to give
rise to these passions; and these relations are
nothing else but qualities, by which the imag-
ination is conveyed from one idea to another.
Now let us consider what effect these can pos-
sibly have upon the mind, and by what means
they become so requisite to the production of
the passions. It is evident, that the association
of ideas operates in so silent and imperceptible
a manner, that we are scarce sensible of it, and
discover it more by its effects than by any im-
mediate feeling or perception. It produces no
emotion, and gives rise to no new impression