Of Boast

Boasters are generally speaking weak spirits, as they are those aware of their true frailty; but we must except those strong minds, who are rare, that use the trivial art of boast for higher purposes. The mean and futile brag for respect; the ordinary boast for admiration and obedience; while the truly great prefer to hide themselves and be free, rather than be followed by a large crowd, as the almighty God is rarely seen, though eyes are given by him to men for the contemplation of the universe.

Three things feed boasts: his acquaintances, himself, and fames. Every boaster has his own profession, but he is not limited within that scope; in lieu of mastering one art of the three, often he can well handle all.

For the first sort, the boasts of one’s own acquaintances, it is but to add lustre to themselves. He is conscious or subconscious of his own weakness when he speaks so, either for the moment, or for a longer time; for he will not bring another to balance the other salver, if he weights more than too little. Yet this is no derogation to their sufficiency, or diminution to their greatness; for his capability depends on his connections, which for suitors cannot be known but from his tongue, and that’s why closeness is usually described on these occasions. Boasters of this profession are not of no use; they are the trumpets of others’ feats, and raise admiration among fools. But watch should be kept that envy often comes with reputation; so it rests for the master how to keep such followers, meeting their inflating desire without harming his own welfare. Closeness is not preferred with them, for since mere acquaintance can be told by them as closeness, it is unnecessary and dangerous to make it true. Keep acquaintance so that they can be used on occasions; keep distance, so that they cannot broadcast secrets.

For the second sort, the boasts of one’s self, they are more impudent and audacious; but the worst part is that boasters of this profession are self-lovers, egoists, or even narcissists. Students show their knowledge; thinkers exaggerate their thoughts; people in great places boast their power; people in sufficiency brag their wealth; so everything bestowed by God is led astray. Therefore these boasters are of less use, as they deem themselves the sun, and allow no another; but they are generally of more ability, for they need to prove they are not futile first, except for those day-dreamers good-for-nothing. They are to be placed low, but not the lowest; so that they can function well and do their most good to the sovereign, without inviting too many nor too great troubles.

And the last sort, the boasts of fames, is very interesting and deserves more chews. Masters of this art best understand the essence of boasts: things that cannot be testified are free for exaggeration. It is a principle that listeners either cannot check their words, or they will not. Moreover, with these secrets they add most to themselves, but risk little, for usually those talked about in great places will not debase themselves by taking vengeance; those trivial cannot. The selection of topics is the key to successful brags. These shrewd but futile persons are not to be used; if they are, when occasion requires, use them with prudence, and please them but promote them not, for the more capable they are, the more venom they have.

In dealing with boasters, it is usually applicable to deem all their words untrue, and seek fragments of truth among them, and tell what are fabricated, what are exaggerated, and what are honestly told. To see whether he is a boaster, pretend to be a suitor, and refer to him for things he claims he is capable of. It is better to be taken a period after his words, a period enough for his oblivion, and for your remembrance, so that you can show more trust, while he takes less heed. Of course it is more efficient to catch him red-handed; but occasions do not often serve.

5/23/2011