a one than to another of less merit. But then, on the other hand, it seems extraordinary to discourage virtue upon any account; since it is only by virtue that any society can flourish, and be considerable. There are many more arguments, on each side of this question, which will naturally occur to you; and when you have considered them well, I desire you will write me your opinion, whether the ostracism was a right or a wrong thing, and your reasons for being of that opinion. Let nobody help you, and give me exactly your own sentiments and your own reasons, whatever they are. [October, 1740.]
Ambition.—Everybody has ambition of some
kind or other, and is vexed when that ambition is
disappointed; the difference is, that the ambition of
silly people is a silly and mistaken ambition; and the
ambition of people of sense is a right and commendable
one. For instance, the ambition of a silly
boy, of your age, would be to have fine clothes, and
money to throw away in idle follies; which, you
plainly see, would be no proofs of merit in him, but
only of folly in his parents, in dressing him out like
a jackanapes, and giving him money to play the
fool with. Whereas a boy of good sense places his
ambition in excelling other boys of his own age, and
even older, in virtue and knowledge. His glory is
