We are so presumptuous that we would wish to be known by all the world, even by people who shall come after, when we shall be no more; and we are so vain that the esteem of five or six neighbors delights and contents us.

Summary

This quote highlights the paradoxical nature of human nature. It suggests that we are both presumptuous and vain in our desire for recognition. On one hand, we have an inflated sense of self-importance, seeking to be known and remembered by future generations. On the other hand, we find contentment and satisfaction in the admiration and approval of only a handful of individuals in our immediate vicinity. It serves as a reflection on our contradictory desires for widespread recognition and the comfort of localized appreciation.

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