It must always be remembered that modifications1 of the soul can only be expressed by physical images; we say firmness of soul, and of mind, which does not signify that they are harder or more solid than usual.
Firmness is the exercise of mental courage; it means a decided2 resolution; while obstinacy3, on the contrary, signifies blindness. Those who praise the firmness of Tacitus are not so much in the wrong as P. Bouhours pretends; it is an accidental ill-chosen term, which expresses energy and strength of thought and of style. It may be said that La Bruyère has a firm style, and that many other writers have only a hard one.

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1
modifications
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n.缓和( modification的名词复数 );限制;更改;改变 | |
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2
decided
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adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的 | |
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3
obstinacy
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n.顽固;(病痛等)难治 | |
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