[The Ethics by Benedict de Spinoza]@TWC D-Link bookThe Ethics PREFACE 99/145
For the man allows himself to be overcome, first, by evil desires; secondly, by pain. Note .-- As men seldom live under the guidance of reason, these two emotions, namely, Humility and Repentance, as also Hope and Fear, bring more good than harm; hence, as we must sin, we had better sin in that direction.
For, if all men who are a prey to emotion were all equally proud, they would shrink from nothing, and would fear nothing; how then could they be joined and linked together in bonds of union? The crowd plays the tyrant, when it is not in fear; hence we need not wonder that the prophets, who consulted the good, not of a few, but of all, so strenuously commended Humility, Repentance, and Reverence.
Indeed those who are a prey to these emotions may be led much more easily than others to live under the guidance of reason, that is, to become free and to enjoy the life of the blessed. PROP.LV.
Extreme pride or dejection indicates extreme ignorance of self. Proof .-- This is evident from Def.
of the Emotions, xxviii.
<<Back Index Next>> D-Link book Top TWC mobile books
|