1821 July 10

Codif

'.9 Factitious dignity

IV. Factitious Dignity

1. Association of ideas

1. Mediating instrument power of the association of ideas

2. irresistible force

3. Cause of the erroneous opinion of worth moral and intellectual

In the case of The last mentioned of these opinions - that by which preeminence in the scale of general worth and usefulness is ascribed to the dignitary - the irresistible force with which the cause operates in the production of the aggregate effect - in the production of a cluster of opinions, and amongst them in company with four which are true a fifth which is not true /has no truth in it/ is altogether curious; deplorable considering how mischievous it is.

The dignity has in every instance the dignity has for its immediate efficient cause, or rather productive instrument, some symbol perceptible to sense, to the sense of hearing at the least an appellation; most commonly in addition to it some symbol perceptible to the sense of sense of sight: an embroidered imitation of a star - a ribbon of a particular shape and colour - a medal.

Of this power of symbols or signs over opinions the cause lies in the association of ideas - in the principle of association between idea and idea.