Pagina 392 de 1391

And I add further-'seen or unseen by gods or men.'

This is our first proof. The second is derived from the three

kinds of pleasure, which answer to the three elements of the

soul-reason, passion, desire; under which last is comprehended

avarice as well as sensual appetite, while passion includes

ambition, party-feeling, love of reputation. Reason, again, is

solely directed to the attainment of truth, and careless of money

and reputation. In accordance with the difference of men's

natures, one of these three principles is in the ascendant, and

they have their several pleasures corresponding to them.

Interrogate now the three natures, and each one will be found

praising his own pleasures and depreciating those of others. The

money-maker will contrast the vanity of knowledge with the solid

advantages of wealth. The ambitious man will despise knowledge

which brings no honour; whereas the philosopher will regard only

the fruition of truth, and will call other pleasures necessary

rather than good. Now, how shall we decide between them?