despise as little things. But I have said enough on this point in
its proper place. The great difficulty is in carrying the principles
there inculcated into the various conditions of life, and properly
applying them.

SECTION III. _Self-praise._

Some persons are such egotists that rather than not be conspicuous,
they will even speak _ill_ of themselves. This may seem like a
contradiction; but it is nevertheless a truth.

Such conduct is explicable in two ways. Self condemnation may be merely
an attempt to extort praise from the bystanders, by leading them to
deny our statements, or defend our conduct. Or, it may be an attempt to
set ourselves off as abounding in self knowledge; a kind of knowledge
which is universally admitted to be difficult of attainment. I have
heard people condemn their past conduct in no measured terms, who would
not have borne a tithe of the same severity of remark from others.
Perhaps it is not too much to affirm that persons of this description
are often among the vainest, if not the proudest of the community.

In general, it is the best way to say as little about ourselves, our
friends, our books, and our circumstances as possible. It is soon
enough to speak of ourselves when we are compelled to do it in our own
defence.

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG MAN'S GUIDE***

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