| Citation |
NYC.769.011
22-29 May 1769:281 (1/4)
A continuation on the Discourse of Decency.
Civility and politeness are comprehended in this notion of
decency we have been talking of, which is but a sort of
tenderness for our own character: But there may be a
civility really proceeding a fear of making others uneasy,
which may be call'd a branch of humanity, and is capable of
continual advances in true friendship.
. . . [173 more lines] But the mistake is in supposing that
education constitutes the beauty of things, whereas it only
helps us to see it; as a music-master may be said to help
the ear to perceive the harmony, at the same time that he
teaches the hand to play. And here indeed we see the force
of custom very remarkably: The external practice is not only
facilitated, but the internal relish is improved also. The
frequent hearing good music, and the seeing good painting,
improves the taste in both; and the contrary tends evidently
to corrupt it. . . [26 more lines]
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