To borrow the language of a writer in the _Quarterly Review_: “However difficult it may be to account philosophically for what is called _national character_—to explain precisely in what it consists, or how exactly it is formed—no one will venture to deny that there is such a thing; some secret influence of climate and soil, combining with the still more inexplicable peculiarities of the races of men, and which seems to a considerable degree independent even of education or individual qualities. The _steady English_, the _wary Scotch_, the _testy Welsh_, the _volatile French_, the _phlegmatic Dutch_, the _artistic Italian_, the _solemn Spaniard_,—all these are crowded into so small a space of the earth’s surface as some twenty degrees of latitude and longitude; and having most of the essential circumstances of social influence common to all, yet are each marked with a national stamp, indelible in natives, and still frequently distinguishable for two or three generations in families that have migrated into other countries.” But although in each of the great national circles of society, we find characteristics which mark it out socially and morally from others, we must not judge individuals nationally. All the English are not freighted to the water with stability; nor are all the Scotch remarkably cautious; nor are the tempers of all the Welsh like touchwood or tinder; nor are all the French frivolous; nor are all the Dutch lazy; nor are all the Italians painters; nor are all the Spaniards distinguished for gravity. Still nations, _as such_, have their idiosyncrasies, as attested by well authenticated history and by present facts.
If we narrow the social circle, we find that where association is closer, characteristics are more distinct. Every religious denomination has its own features clearly marked and firmly set. In every province, city, and town, we see the influence of association in the formation of character. It is illustrated in every circle, from the kitchen of the maid-servant to the throne of the British queen.
All are conscious of a desire to imbue others with their sentiments. This ambition is always strong in a mind of high intensity. It is the natural yearning of active powers for appropriate activity—the mind’s impulse to develope its energies and extend its dominion. Minds that burn with the fire of genius, or the nobler fires of zeal and love, cannot repress their energies; but seek to distinguish themselves, and to influence those with whom they come in contact. There are magnetic souls that penetrate with their looks, and inspire with their ideas. In all ages and countries the gentler sex afford illustrations of a desire to impart themselves and mould others.