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The over-weening conceit which the greater part of men have of

their own abilities, is an ancient evil remarked by the

philosophers and moralists of all ages. Their absurd presumption

in their own good fortune has been less taken notice of. It is,

however, if possible, still more universal. There is no man

living, who, when in tolerable health and spirits, has not some

share of it. The chance of gain is by every man more or less

over-valued, and the chance of loss is by most men under-valued,

and by scarce any man, who is in tolerable health and spirits,

valued more than it is worth.