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

Section 2. constantly with us, and freely applying it not only to the things around us, but to ourselves. For if, unfortunately, we lose the measure within ourselves, we shall soon lose it in everything else. Now what rule or measure is there in the world, except in considering the real nature original: "Temper" of things, to find which are truly serious and which are ridiculous? And how can this be done, unless by applying the ridicule, to see whether it will withstand the test? But if we fear to apply this rule in anything, what security can we have against the deception original: "Imposture" of formality In this context, "formality" refers to an empty or outward show of seriousness without any real substance. in all things? We have allowed ourselves to be formalists in one point; and that same formality may rule us as it pleases in all others.

It is not in every state of mind original: "Disposition" that we are capable of judging things. We must beforehand judge our own temperament original: "Temper", and accordingly judge other things which fall under our judgment. But we must never again pretend to judge things, or our own temperament in judging them, once we have given up our preliminary right of judgment; and, under a presumption of gravity, have allowed ourselves to be most ridiculous, and to admire profoundly the most ridiculous things in nature—at least, for all we know. For having resolved never to try them, we can never be sure.

Below, pages 61, 74. (original: "Infra, pag. 61, 74")