State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-08-16
APHORISMS-BY BULwER.

For men who have ardent affections,
there is no medium between public lite
and dissatisfaction. In private life, who,
after the first enthusiasm of passion departs
is ever contented with the return it meets !?
We are flung back upon our own breasts,
and SO comes one good or one vil,-we
grow devout, or we grow selfish. Denied
vent among our fellows, the affections
find u refuge, either in heaven or in selfish
ness.
The preceding remark may be applied,
with still more force, to women,-substi-
tutng for public life,' the marriage state.
Their affections are more acute than ours ;
so also nre their disappointment. 1t is
thus that We see the credulons fondness of
the devotee, the fosslized heart of the sol =
itary crone, where, some thirty years back
you would have witnessed soul running
over with love for all things, and the year
ming to be loved again.
In commercial countries, wealth is re-
spectabiity; in despotic countries, flattery
is considered wisdom. The passions lead
men to action; and the passions are excited
according to the reward proposed to them.
These are grave and weighty truths.
We generally find that men are govern
ed by their weaknesses, and not by their
vices; and these weaknesses are often the
most amiable part of them. 1t is knowl-
edge OF these weaknesses, as by q glance,
that serves u man better in the understand
ing and conquest of his species, than a
knowledge of the vices to which they lead.
When we hear men of UNREASONABLE
genius complain of "not being apprehend-
ed by the herd, >" it is because they IRE not
themselves skilled in the feelings of the
herd. For what is knowledge humankind,
but tho knowledge of their feelings, their
humors, their caprices, their passions P
Touch these and you gain attention. de-
velope these and you have conquered your
audience.
To be loved and carressed, always agree
with others in opinion,--never contradict
or oppose. Few persons can bear to be
disputed, shown to be in error or denied
infallibiity. To be liked, it is not necessa-
ny to do any thiag but compliment Lie,
cheat, betray, but never contradict. Agree
with people and they will make n couch
for you in their hearts. Poor advice
People may say what they please about
similarity of opinions being necessary to
friendship "a similarity of habits is much
more so. 1t is the man you dine, breakfast,
and lodge with,-walk, ride, gamble, or
thieve with, that is your friend.
There are certain comforts, which are
often felt by those who belong to the inie-
rior classes, than those appertaining TO the
more elevated - who in loOsing one luxury
will often surrender all. A fine lady can
submitto more hardships than her woman /;
and every gentleman who travels, smiles
at privations which agonze his valet
Many of the qualities of mind which
soom most unamable in private life, often
conduce to the ends of public Justice such
as GOODNESS of feeling, want of compassion,
disinclinalon to overlook and forgive, and
the like, in judge or a juryman. Men in
Office err not less from their feelings than
their interests.
A hardihood OF physical nerve and moral
intrepidity, are qualities, which, among
men OF similar mould, often form the
strongest motive of esteem and sometimes,
as in Bonaparte and his chiefs, the only
point of attraction.