Literary Character of Men of Genius Drawn from Their Own Feelings and Confessions
CHAPTER XV.
Self-praise of genius.--The love of praise instinctive in the nature of genius.--A high opinion of themselves necessary for their great designs.--The ancients openly claimed their own praise.--And several moderns.--An author knows more of his merits than his readers.--And less of his defects.--Authors versatile in their admiration and their malignity. 162