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to distinguish the great. Now if
deference was displayed by sitting in an arm-chair, we should show deference
to everybody, and so no distinction would be made; but, being put to
inconvenience, we distinguish very well.
318. He has four lackeys.
319. How rightly do we distinguish men by external appearances rather than
by internal qualities! Which of us two shall have precedence? Who will give
place to the other? The least clever. But I am as clever as he. We should
have to fight over this. He has four lackeys, and I have only one. This can
be seen; we have only to count. It falls to me to yield, and I am a fool if
I contest the matter. By this means we are at peace, which is the greatest
of boons.
320. The most unreasonable things in the world become most reasonable,
because of the unruliness of men. What is less reasonable than to choose the
eldest son of a queen to rule a State? We do not choose as captain of a ship
the passenger who is of the best family.
This law would be absurd and unjust; but, because men are so themselves and
always will be so, it becomes reasonable and just. For whom will men choose,
as the most virtuous and able? We at once come to blows, as each claims to
be the most virtuous and able. Let us then attach this quality to something
indisputable. This is the king's eldest son. That is clear, and there is no
dispute. Reason can do no better, for civil war is the greatest of evils.
321. Children are astonished to see their comrades respected.
322. To be of noble birth is a great advantage. In eighteen years it places
a man within the select circle, known and respected, as another have merited
in fifty years. It is a gain of thirty years without trouble.
323. What is the Ego?
Suppose a man puts himself at a window to see those who pass by. If I pass
by, can I say that he placed himself there to see me? No; for he d
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