human
What a pity that Sidney makes such preposterous pretensions to learning in his conversation,
gpt
It certainly is, answered Arthur;
human
It is to be hoped he will grow wiser as he grows older,
gpt
I hope so, said Arthur.
human
If he do not, he will always be contemptible in the eyes of the wise and learned; and they will do their utmost to shun his society and keep him out of their reach. Were his professions of learning to accord with his real abilities there would be no objection--nothing unseemly; but he aims at that which he has little competency to reach, and so makes himself ludicrous in his attempts. And then he does it withal in such self-confidence and ostentation as is perfectly revolting to good taste. As his friend, I feel very much for him, and wish he may get a knowledge of his real acquirements, and make no display of his learning beyond what he can honourably sustain, and in which he will be justified by wisdom and propriety. In this way he might obtain a position in which he would receive the respect of society according to the real merits of which he gave obvious proof.
gpt
Those are exactly my views, said Smith,
human
The ignoble mind Loves ever to assail with secret blow The loftier, purer beings of their kind.
gpt
Detraction's a bold monster, and fears not To wound the fame of princes, if it find But any blemish in their lives to work on.