There were sins whose fascination was more in the memory than in the doing of them, strange triumphs that gratified the pride more than the passions, and gave to the intellect a quickened sense of joy, greater than any joy they brought, or could ever bring, to the senses.

Summary

This quote suggests that there are certain actions or behaviors that hold a captivating allure primarily in the reminiscence of committing them rather than the actual act itself. These "sins" are described as peculiar victories that satisfy one's pride more than their desires and elicit a heightened feeling of happiness within the intellect, surpassing any sensory pleasure they may produce. In essence, it implies that the memory and intellect can derive greater gratification from these acts than the immediate sensory experience they offer.

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