[141]
In entering upon any course of action, then, 1
we must hold fast to three principles: first, that
impulse shall obey reason; for there is no better
way than this to secure the observance of duties;
second, that we estimate carefully the importance
of the object that we wish to accomplish, so that
neither more nor less care and attention may be
expended upon it than the case requires; the third
principle is that we be careful to observe moderation
in all that is essential to the outward appearance
and dignity of a gentleman. Moreover, the best
rule for securing this is strictly to observe that
propriety which we have discussed above, and not
to overstep it. Yet of these three principles, the
one of prime importance is to keep impulse subservient to reason.
1 Three rules for the duty of propriety.
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