As, for instance, if he should say that he is unable to form any clear conceptions, or that he can desire and do nothing but what is wicked and base, &c.

We may also say, that a man thinks too meanly of himself, when we see him from excessive fear of shame refusing to do things which others, his equals, venture.

We can, therefore, set down as a contrary to pride an emotion which I will call self--abasement, for as from self--complacency springs pride, so from humility springs self--abasement, which I will accordingly thus define: XXIX.

Self--abasement is thinking too meanly of one's self by reason of pain.
Explanation--We are nevertheless generally accustomed to oppose pride to humility, but in that case we pay more attention to the effect of either emotion than to its nature.

We are wont to call proud the man who boasts too much (III.xxx.