A Treatise of Human Nature - Volume 2

SECT. III.

From where these objects and causes are derived.

Having advanced far enough to observe a difference between the object of the passions and their cause, and to distinguish in the cause the quality which operates on the passions from the subject in which it resides; we now proceed to examine what determines each of them to be what it is, and assigns such a particular object, quality, and subject to these affections. By this means, we shall fully understand the origin of pride and humility.

It is evident, in the first place, that these passions are determined to have the self for their object, not only by a natural but also by an original property. No one can doubt that this property is natural, given the constancy and steadiness of its operations. It is always the self which is the object of pride and humility; and whenever the passions look beyond, it is still with a view to ourselves, nor can any person or object otherwise have any influence upon us.