Page 212 sur 734

It seems too that pieces of good fortune contribute to form this

character of Great-mindedness: I mean, the nobly born, or men of

influence, or the wealthy, are considered to be entitled to

honour, for they are in a position of eminence and whatever is

eminent by good is more entitled to honour: and this is why such

circumstances dispose men rather to Great-mindedness, because

they receive honour at the hands of some men.

Now really and truly the good man alone is entitled to honour;

only if a man unites in himself goodness with these external

advantages he is thought to be more entitled to honour: but they

who have them without also having virtue are not justified in

their high estimate of themselves, nor are they rightly

denominated Great-minded; since perfect virtue is one of the

indispensable conditions to such & character.