Characteristics of Men, Manners, Opinions, Times - Softcover

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1732. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... pears somewhat absurd, when one considers that Wolves are to Wohes very kind and loving Creatures. The Sexes strictly join in the Care and Nurture of the Young; and this Union is continu'd still between 'em. They houl to one another, to bring Company; whether to hunt, or invade their Prey, or assemble on the discovery of a good Carcase. Even the swinissi Kinds want not common Affection, and run in Herds to the assistance of their distress'd Fellows. The meaning therefore of this famous Sentence, if it has any meaning at all, must be, " That Man is naturally to Man, as a "Wolf is to a tamer Creature:" as, for instance, to a Sheep. But this will be as little to the purpose as to tell us, "That "there are different Species or Characters "of Men; That all have not this * wol"fissi Nature, but That one half at least are "naturally innocent and mild." And thus the Sentence comes to nothing. For without belying Nature, and contradicting what is evident from natural History, FaB, and the plain Course of things, 'tis impossible to assent to this ill-natur'd Proposition, when we have even done our best to make tolerable fense, of it. But such is Man kind! And even here Human Nature Sect. shews it-self, such as it is j not perfect, or absolutely successful, tho rightly tending, and mov'd by proper and just Principles* 'Tis here, therefore, in Philosophy, as in the common Conversations of the World* As fond as Men are of Company, and as little able to enjoy any Happiness out of it, they are yet strangely addicted to the way of Satir. And in the fame manner, as a malicious Censure craftily worded, and pronounc'd with Assurance, is apt to pass with Mankind for slireud Wit; so a virulent Maxim in bold Expressions, tho without any Justness of Thought, is readily receiv'd for true P...