CCII. (Book 202)
WE ought to be very moderate and cautious in the commen∣dations of persons. For as it is na∣tural for any one, to resent his being disparag'd, so, on the contrary, ex∣cessive, commendation (besides the hazard it implies of his judgement who commends, and the greatness of his merit who is commended) is many times offensive to him who hears it. That portion of self love, which every one has, even though he is not sensible of it, makes us im∣mediately apply to our selves the commendations and discommenda∣tions which we hear given to others, and confequently we imagine our selves concerned therein, though they are not purposely directed to us.