I do honestly think
that Providence was here deliberately poking fun at me, and showing
me that a habit of presenting one's opinions broadcast to the world
does not necessarily mean that the world is much aware either of
oneself or of one's opinions.
The cure then, it seems to me, for personal ambition, is the
humorous reflection that the stir and hum of one's own particular
teetotum is confined to a very small space and range; and that the
witty description of the Greek politician who was said to be well
known throughout the whole civilised world and at Lampsacus, or of
the philosopher who was announced as the author of many epoch-
making volumes and as the second cousin of the Earl of Cork,
represents a very real truth,--that reputation is not a thing which
is worth bothering one's head about; that if it comes, it is apt to
be quite as inconvenient as it is pleasant, while if one grows to
depend upon it, it is as liable to part with its sparkle as soda-
water in an open glass.
And then if one comes to consider the commoner claim, the claim to
be felt and respected and regarded in one's own little circle, it
is wholesome and humiliating to observe how generously and easily
that regard is conceded to affectionateness and kindness, and how
little it is won by any brilliance or sharpness.
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