LoC i1018
Adam Smith , Theory of moral sentiments
“Love (passion) is commonly succeeded by ambition;
But ambition is hardly ever succeeded by Love”
That passion, when once it has got entire possession of the breast,
Will admit neither a rival nor a successor ;
To those who have been accustomed to the possession
Or even to the hope of public admiration
All other pleasures sicken and decay ;
Are you in earnest, resolved never to barter your liberty
For the lordly servitude of a court,
But to live freely, fearless and independent?
There seems to be one way to contrive in that virtuous resolution- and perhaps but one;
Never enter the place from where so few have been to able to return
never come within the circle of ambition
Nor even bring yourself into comparison with those masters of earth
Who have already engrossed the attention of half of mankind before you!
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