PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

Hunlon Happine;fs. 41
makes no difference; as it is not what either possess­
~s that constitutes the pleasure, but what one possesses
more thCln the other.
Philosophy smiles at the con\~mpt with which the
rich and great speak of the petty strifes and comp~~~tions
of the poor; not reflecting that thp~~ strifes
and competitions are just as reasona~!: as their own,
and the pleasure, which succe~~ affords, the same.
Our position is, th.~t happiness does not consist in
greatness. _A~t.i this position we make out by shewing.
~~d( even what \\~ere supposed to be the peculiar
advantages of greatness, the pleasures of ambition
and superiority, are in reality common to all condi.
tions.
But whether the pursuits cf alnbi[Ion be ever
wise, whether they centributemore to the happiness
or misery of the pursuers, is a different question; and
a question concerning which we may be allowed to entertain
great doubt. The pleasure of success is exquisite;
so also is the anxiety of the pursuit, and the
pain of disappointment-and what is the worst part
of the account, the pleasure is short lived. We soon
cease to look back upon those whom we have left behind
;uew contests are engaged in, new prospects
unfold themselves; a succession of struggles is kept
up, whilst there is a rival left within the compass of
our vie\vs and prcfession; and when thelee is none,
the pleasure with the pursuit is at an end.
II. We have seen what happiness does not consist.
in. vV e are next to consider in what it does consist.
In the conduct of life, the great matter is, to know
beforehand, what will please us, and what pleasures
will hold Ollt. So far as we know this, our choice
will be justified by the event. And this knowledge
is more scarce and difficult than at first sight it may
seem to be: for sometimes, pleasures which are won ..
derfully ailuring and flattering in the prospect, turn
out in the possession, extremely insipid; or do not
hold ~~ we expected; at other' times pleasures start
up, which never entered into our calculation;