The melancholy science from which I make this offering to my friend relates to a region that from time immemorial was regarded as the true field of philosophy, but which, since the latter's conversion into method, has lapsed into intellectual neglect, sententious whimsy, and finally oblivion.

翻译：道德高尚的人，与地位比自己高的人交往，不奉承讨好；与地位比自己低的人交往，不轻慢高傲。