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but courteous towards those of
moderate station, because it is difficult and distinguished to be superior to the great,
but easy to outdo the lowly, and to adopt a high manner with the former is not ill-bred,
but it is vulgar to lord it over humble people: it is like putting forth one's strength
against the weak. 3.
[27]
He
will not compete for the common objects of ambition, or go where other people take the
first place; and he will be idle and slow to act, except when pursuing some high honor or
achievement; and will not engage in many undertakings, but only in such as are important
and distinguished. 3.
[28]
He
must be open both in love and in hate, since concealment shows timidity; and care more for
the truth than for what people will think; and speak and act openly, since as he despises
other men he is outspoken and frank, except when speaking with ironical
self-depreciation,1 as he
does to common people. 3.
[29]
He will be incapable of living at the will of another, unless a friend,
1 See note on 2.7.12.