E. G.'s Reviews > The Theory of Moral Sentiments
The Theory of Moral Sentiments (Penguin Classics)
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E. G.'s review
bookshelves: non-fiction, philosophy-psychology-sociology, uk-ireland, own, essays, 4-star, adam-smith
Aug 15, 2014
bookshelves: non-fiction, philosophy-psychology-sociology, uk-ireland, own, essays, 4-star, adam-smith
Introduction & Notes
Suggestions for Further Reading
A Note on the Text
--The Theory of Moral Sentiments
--Considerations concerning the first formation of languages
Biographical Notes
Textual Notes
Index
Suggestions for Further Reading
A Note on the Text
--The Theory of Moral Sentiments
--Considerations concerning the first formation of languages
Biographical Notes
Textual Notes
Index
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Reading Progress
Finished Reading
August 15, 2014
– Shelved
August 15, 2014
– Shelved as:
to-read
August 15, 2014
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non-fiction
August 15, 2014
– Shelved as:
philosophy-psychology-sociology
August 15, 2014
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uk-ireland
September 5, 2015
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own
October 6, 2015
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essays
October 6, 2015
– Shelved as:
4-star
April 14, 2018
– Shelved as:
adam-smith
Are you in adversity? Do not mourn in the darkness of solitude, do not regulate your sorrow according to the indulgent sympathy of your intimate friends; return, as soon as possible, to the daylight of the world and of society. Live with strangers, with those who know nothing, or care nothing about your misfortune; do not even shun the company of enemies; but give yourself the pleasure of mortifying their malignant joy, by making them feel how little you are affected by your calamity, and how much you are above it.
Are you in prosperity? Do not confine the enjoyment of your good fortune to your own house, to the company of your own friends, perhaps of your flatterers, of those who build upon your fortune the hopes of mending their own; frequent those who are independent of you, who can value you only for your character and conduct, and not for your fortune. Neither seek nor shun, neither intrude yourself into nor run away from the society of those who were once your superiors, and who may be hurt at finding you their equal, or, perhaps, even their superior. The impertinence of their pride may, perhaps, render their company too disagreeable: but if it should not, be assured that it is the best company you can possibly keep; and if, by the simplicity of your unassuming demeanour, you can gain their favour and kindness, you may rest satisfied that you are modest enough, and that your head has been in no respect turned by your good fortune.
The propriety of our moral sentiments is never so apt to be corrupted, as when the indulgent and partial spectator is at hand, while the indifferent and impartial one is at a great distance."