suggest many things to your observation, which might otherwise escape you; and your own observations upon mankind, when compared with those which you will find in books, will help you to fix the true point. [November, 1746.]
Old Fools.—To know mankind well requires full
as much attention and application as to know books,
and, it may be, more sagacity and discernment. I
am, at this time, acquainted with many elderly people,
who have all passed their whole lives in the
great world, but with such levity and inattention,
that they know no more of it now than they did at
fifteen. [Same date.]
Introspection.—You must look into people, as
well as at them. Almost all people are born with all
the passions, to a certain degree; but almost every
man has a prevailing one, to which the others are
subordinate. Search every one for that ruling passion;
pry into the recesses of his heart, and observe
the different workings of the same passion in different
people. And, when you have found out the
prevailing passion of any man, remember never to
trust him, where that passion is concerned. Work
upon him by it, if you please; but be upon your
guard yourself against it, whatever professions he
may make you. [Same date.]
