Another result of patient thought is, a man discovers his proper relationship to society. Self-knowledge tends greatly to remove selfishness. By it, he learns his obligation, not only to God, but man; he begins to see how impossible it is, to live an isolated being; and he begins to feel, in its full force, that beautiful truth, that he is a part of the great chain which links society together. In proportion as he feels this, must his selfishness give place to nobler feelings. No man exhibits a more unprepossessing ignorance, than he who sets at nought the opinions, and feelings of others. He becomes an object of pity, and even contempt, to every thinking man; for so little is required to see his error, that we despise his oversight. If men did but know it, it is the cause of a large portion of the unhappiness of life. Society never finds a person in its midst, entirely wrapped in self, and scorning its good will, but it leaves such to the fate they merit, viz. to test their ill grounded belief, and see if they _can_ live, setting at nought the doctrine of mutual dependence. No! men were made dependent—mutually dependent—and it is the loveliest thing in morals that it is so; for just so far as it is recognized, is selfishness destroyed, and harmony established among men. This doctrine ought to be held up more than it is, especially in this nation: it would serve to correct and counteract, if any thing can do it, that spirit of self-interest, always the result of popular and free institutions.