absence of mind; it
might proceed from that intenseness of thought that was necessary at all
times for the scientific subjects they were studying; but, for a young
man, and a man of the world, who has no such plea to make, absence of
mind is a rudeness to the company, and deserves the severest censure.

4. However insignificant a company may be; however trifling their
conversation; while you are with them, do not shew them by any
inattention that you think them trifling; that can never be the way to
please; but rather fall in with their weakness than otherwise, for to
mortify, or shew the least contempt to those we are in company with, is
the greatest rudeness we can be guilty of; and what few can forgive.

5. I never yet found a man inattentive to the person he feared, or the
woman he loved; which convinces me that absence of mind is to be got the
better of, if we think proper to make the trial; and believe me, it is
always worth the attempt.

Absence of mind is a tacit declaration, that those we are in company
with are not worth attending to; and what can be a greater
affront?--Besides, can an absent man improve by what is said or done in
his presence?--No; he may frequent the best companies for years
together, and all to no purpose. In short, a man is neither fit for
business nor conversation, unless he can attend to the object before
him, be that object what it will.

_Knowledge of the World._

1. A knowledge of the world, by our own experience and observation, is
so necessary, that without it we shall act very absurdly, and frequently
give offence when we do not mean it. All the learning and parts in the
world will not secure us from it. Without an acquaintance with life, a
man may say very good things, but time them so ill, and address them so
improperly, that he had much better be silent. Full of himself and his
own business, and inattentive to the circumstances and situations of
those he converses with, he vents it without the least discretion, says
things that he ought not to say, confutes some, shocks others, and puts
the whole company in pain, lest what he utters next should prove worse
than the last. The best direction I can give you in this matter, is,
rather to fall in with the conversation of others, than start a subject
of your own: rather strive to put them more in conceit with themselves,
than to draw their attention to you.

2. A novice in life, he who knows little of mankind, but what h