I have often wondered how this happens: every person loves himself most, yet he cares more about what others think of him than what he thinks of himself. Imagine if a god or strict teacher stood beside you and commanded you to think nothing about yourself that you wouldn't say out loud right away. No one could bear that for even one day. Yet we fear our neighbors' opinions more than our own.
I have often wondered how it should come to pass, that every man loving himself best, should more regard other men's opinions concerning himself than his own. For if any God or grave master standing by, should command any of us to think nothing by himself but what he should presently speak out; no man were able to endure it, though but for one day. Thus do we fear more what our neighbours will think of us, than what we ourselves.