Portrait of the Venetian Magistrate, Doge Andrea Gritti by Titian.
A magistrate has a dignity that is proper to him that a servant does not have.
Dignity and mutual respect in dealing with men make social life bearable and even agreeable. Because of the sad consequences of Original Sin coupled the vulgarity of our times, human convivium becomes impossible or at least an unsupportable burden without it.
The Promenade, painting by Joseph Caraud
If one desires social relationships to be enjoyable and agreeable, then one must never permit a spirit of excessive intimacy. This does not mean that one should not have intimacy with another. What it does mean, is that this intimacy should be impregnated with a great respect. True friendship will only exist if it is based on the love of God and on the aforementioned principles. If these are not present, the resulting convivium will be boring.
