The Central Vowel and First Numeral--Egotism-Its Universality-Belief in Self-Egotism of Great Men-Birth— Punishment of Self-Pride-Difficulty in believing that we are Obnoxious or Hateful-Self-Examination. BEGIN my book with it; it is the first letter and the first word, and, with some unhappy men, the only thought through life. But in reading, it changes its person, and transfers itself from me to you. I talk about it, though yet upon the threshold of this book, because a wise friend objected to the title that 'A Man's Thoughts' was somewhat egotistical. Why so it is doubtful; since an author, small though he may be, is at least a man, and as for egotism he shows no moreor needs to show no more-in the projection of his thoughts upon the public than a painter, an actor, or a preacher. These, too, seek to instruct, or influence, or amuse the world; some few even dream of reforming it, by throwing their thoughts into the seething mass of opinion-'casting their bread upon the waters,' to use a misapplied and sacred symbol, and hoping that after many days it may return to them. An author may, perhaps, in these days, be excused for hoping in that way. His egotism is the least selfish, since his returns, in a worldly point of view, are nearly the least of all. And indeed my friend's suggestion turned, in my particular case, my intention 'the seamy side without,' for, by the title of this book, I desired to get as far away from personal vanity and conceit as one well could. And after all it is not much to claim to be a Man; at any rate that depends upon the estimate one places upon the privilege of being the far-off-descended creature modern naturalists make him out to be. My intention, then, was merely to give a name to certain thoughts and opinions here put forward. That I have not placed upon my own any peculiar value will be seen from the trouble I have taken to strengthen every proposition by citations from better writers and from nobler minds. If in this my purpose is mistaken for pedantry I shall be grieved but not surprised. We cannot escape this egotism; it follows us through life; the prayer of the humble Publican is as close to it as that of the proud Pharisee; we drive self away with earnest entreaties and humble prayers, with good reso |