As we advance in life, we
crystallize into habit; and "NIL ADMIRARI" too often becomes our
motto. It is well to encourage the admiration of great characters
while the nature is plastic and open to impressions; for if the
good are not admired--as young men will have their heroes of some
sort--most probably the great bad may be taken by them for
models. Hence it always rejoiced Dr. Arnold to hear his pupils
expressing admiration of great deeds, or full of enthusiasm for
persons or even scenery. "I believe," said he, "that "NIL
ADMIRARI" is the devil's favourite text; and he could not choose a
better to introduce his pupils into the more esoteric parts of his
doctrine. And, therefore, I have always looked upon a man
infected with the disorder of anti-romance as one who has lost the
finest part of his nature, and his best protection against
everything low and foolish." (9)
It was a fine trait in the character of Prince Albert that he was
always so ready to express generous admiration of the good deeds
of others. "He had the greatest delight," says the ablest
delineator of his character, "in anybody else saying a fine
saying, or doing a great deed. He would rejoice over it, and talk
about it for days; and whether it was a thing nobly said or done
by a little child, or by a veteran statesman, it gave him equal
pleasure. He delighted in humanity doing well on any occasion and
in any manner.
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