BOOK II PART II
we consider, that comparison may change the
emotion without changing anything in the ob-
ject. Those who are acquainted with the meta-
physical part of optics and know how we trans-
fer the judgments and conclusions of the un-
derstanding to the senses, will easily conceive
this whole operation.
But leaving this new discovery of an impres-
sion, that secretly attends every idea; we must
at least allow of that principle, from whence the
discovery arose, that objects appear greater or
less by a comparison with others. We have so
many instances of this, that it is impossible we
can dispute its veracity; and it is from this prin-
ciple I derive the passions of malice and envy.
It is evident we must receive a greater or less
satisfaction or uneasiness from reflecting on
our own condition and circumstances, in pro-