Page:About people (IA aboutpeople00well).pdf/22

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ABOUT PEOPLE.

history and literature classes of women but an excuse for spending a morning elsewhere than at home. The culture thus sought comes from books alone, when the mood of mind or weariness of body makes it impossible to enjoy them except for the grim satisfaction that is found in doing for one's self.

Restless people often seek to rise by adventitious means; they use others' kindnesses and throw them away when a fresh social stepping-stone has been reached; they snub those below and fawn on those above them; they appropriate others' stories, and live on capital stolen or borrowed, no thought of interest on personal obligations ever occurring to them. Such conduct is more contemptible, but not so wearisome to aquaintances as uneasy introspection, using one's self as a claimant for sympathy.

The homes of those who think they are above the average, because in their search for distinction or a great soul they are devoured

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