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Literary
March 2, 1782
The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Exeter, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
An anonymous philosopher outlines the true ambitions of an honest mind: desiring faithful friends, good sense over learning, a convenient home, moderate independent fortune, sufficient business for indolence, health from regular life, and passions directed morally, leading to cheerful life and resigned eternity.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
THE TRUE AMBITION OF AN HONEST MIND.
WERE I to describe the blessings I desire in life, I would be happy in a few, but faithful friends. Might I choose my talent; it should rather be good sense than learning: I would consult, in the choice of my house, convenience rather than taste; and for my circumstances: desire a moderate, but independent fortune. Business enough to secure me in indolence, and leisure enough to have always an hour to spare. I would have no master, and I desire but very few servants. I would not be led away by ambition, nor perplexed with disputes. I would enjoy the blessings of health, but would rather be beholden for it to a regular life, and an easy mind: than to the school of Hippocrates. As to my passions, since we cannot be wholly divested of them, I would hate only those whose manners and actions render them odious, and love only where I know I ought. Thus would I pass cheerfully through that portion of my life, which cannot last always, and with resignation wait for that which will last forever.
A PHILOSOPHER.
WERE I to describe the blessings I desire in life, I would be happy in a few, but faithful friends. Might I choose my talent; it should rather be good sense than learning: I would consult, in the choice of my house, convenience rather than taste; and for my circumstances: desire a moderate, but independent fortune. Business enough to secure me in indolence, and leisure enough to have always an hour to spare. I would have no master, and I desire but very few servants. I would not be led away by ambition, nor perplexed with disputes. I would enjoy the blessings of health, but would rather be beholden for it to a regular life, and an easy mind: than to the school of Hippocrates. As to my passions, since we cannot be wholly divested of them, I would hate only those whose manners and actions render them odious, and love only where I know I ought. Thus would I pass cheerfully through that portion of my life, which cannot last always, and with resignation wait for that which will last forever.
A PHILOSOPHER.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Temperance
Liberty Freedom
What keywords are associated?
True Ambition
Honest Mind
Faithful Friends
Moderate Fortune
Regular Life
Moral Passions
Philosophical Reflection
What entities or persons were involved?
A Philosopher.
Literary Details
Title
The True Ambition Of An Honest Mind.
Author
A Philosopher.
Key Lines
Were I To Describe The Blessings I Desire In Life, I Would Be Happy In A Few, But Faithful Friends.
I Would Have No Master, And I Desire But Very Few Servants.
I Would Hate Only Those Whose Manners And Actions Render Them Odious, And Love Only Where I Know I Ought.
Thus Would I Pass Cheerfully Through That Portion Of My Life, Which Cannot Last Always, And With Resignation Wait For That Which Will Last Forever.