(4) I have
made all sorts of acquaintances, but have as yet found no society
(22) we
are happiest under the influence of innocent delusions
(33) Must
it ever be thus, - that the source of our happiness must also be the fountain
of our misery? The full and ardent sentiment which animated my heart with the
love of nature, overwhelming me with a torrent of delight, and which brought
all paradise before me, has now become a insupportable torment,
(34) Everything
around us is alive with an infinite number of forms; while mankind fly for
security to their petty houses, from the shelter of which they rule in their
imaginations over the wide-extended universe. Poor fool! In whose petty
estimation all things are little.
(35) My
heart is wasted by the thought of that destructive power which lies concealed
in every part of universal nature. Nature has formed nothing that does not
consume itself, and every object near it: so that, surrounded by earth and air,
and all the active powers, I wander on my way with aching heart; and the
universe is to me a fearful monster, forever devouring its offspring.
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