Some passion (if
we are not impassive) must be moved; for the general conduct of mankind is
by no means a thing indifferent to a reasonable and virtuous man. Now to
smile at it, and turn it into ridicule, I think most eligible; as it hurts
ourselves least, and gives vice and folly the greatest offence: and that
for this reason; because what men aim at by them, is, generally, public
opinion and esteem; which truth is the subject of the following satire;
and joins them together, as several brandies from the same root: a unity
of design, which has not, I think, in a set of satires, been attempted
before.
Laughing at the misconduct of the world, will, in a great measure, ease us
of any more disagreeable passion about it. One passion is more effectually
driven out by another, than by reason; whatever some may teach: for to
reason we owe our passions: had we not reason, we should not be offended
at what we find amiss: and the cause seems not to be the natural cure of
any effect.
Moreover, laughing satire bids the fairest for success: the world is too
proud to be fond of a serious tutor; and when an author is in a passion,
the laugh, generally, as in conversation, turns against him.
Pages:
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77