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to the common sense estimation of people in general in regard to things that have no moral bearing. What has all this to do with aristocracy? Of this term scarce any two person have ideas in common: if it means holding ourselves above the 'common vulgar herd'; -- is it not right to seek to exceed the common standard in what constitutes true refinement of taste and manners, as well as in all that, which renders the soul alive to 'beauty' whether it be moral, intellectual or merely in relation to sensible objects and matters of taste? Is not the meaning generally attached to it nearly synonymous with pride? Man loves to maintain an imaginary superiority over his fellow, some fancied excellence, some advantage acquired by the possession of greater wealth. some consciousness of deeper research in to things than others, some whim of possessing superiour refinement of mind, or a more exact observation of outside forms, and such idle ceremony as the world deems politics. these things intoxicate the heads of the upper classes, who are apt to suppose that pride is their exclusive badge, distinguishing them from the vulgar. but in fact pride is a great leveller, - a livery worn by every drudge in Satan's extensive household." Of this kind of aristocracy, our family has perhaps an uncommon share, not confined to one member of the family, but taking its particular direction from the peculiar mental characteristics of each, and pretty fairly developed in all. Does it not lead you to a sort of exclusiveness, an unsocial, contemptuous feeling towards others? witness your expressions about vulgar, lowlived merchants it seems to me that it would be a great embellishment to your character if you would let your whole heart and soul flow out towards your kind, with the milk of human kindness, take an interest in others, for interesting traits and something to imitate maybe [left-hand side] With regards to the works of 'nater'- imagination lends fascination: if you were among them all the time you would now would only be thinking 'these potatoes are ready to hoe'; this crop of oats will be thin etc.----but in occasional visits to the field you have only keenly to enjoy the face of nature. [top, upside down] Tell Eliab that I will write my next long letter of sisterly advice to him, but have not time now to write to him and Lucy too. [