Characteristicks of Men, Manners, Opinions, Times - Volume 1

read all, with particular notice, as a friend and one whom I may justifiably treat with calligraphic line filler flourish the intimacy and freedom which follows.

SECTION II.

If knowing well how to expose any weakness or vice were a sufficient guarantee for the opposite virtue, what an excellent age we might be presumed to live in! Never was there a known time in our nation when folly and extravagance of every kind were more closely scrutinized or more cleverly ridiculed. And one might at least hope from this good symptom that our age was not in a state of decline; since whatever our social ailments original: "Distempers." Referring to societal or political disorders likened to physical diseases. are, we seem very willing to accept our remedies. For an individual to tolerate being told of their faults is the best sign of improvement. It is rare for the general public to be so inclined. For where political suspicion original: "Jealousy of State." The government's protective suspicion or vigilance regarding its authority and secrets., or the immoral lives of powerful people, or any other cause is strong enough to restrict the freedom of criticism in any part, it effectively destroys the benefit of it for the whole. There can be no impartial and free criticism of manners where any particular custom or national opinion is set aside—not only exempted from criticism, but even flattered with the highest art. It is only in a free nation such as ours that deception original: "Imposture." Referring to religious or political fraud and fake claims of authority. has no privilege; and