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Since then of all things which may be done there is some one End

which we desire for its own sake, and with a view to which we

desire everything else; and since we do not choose in all

instances with a further End in view (for then men would go on

without limit, and so the desire would be unsatisfied and

fruitless), this plainly must be the Chief Good, i.e. the best

thing of all.

Surely then, even with reference to actual life and conduct, the

knowledge of it must have great weight; and like archers, with a

mark in view, we shall be more likely to hit upon what is right:

and if so, we ought to try to describe, in outline at least, what

it is and of which of the sciences and faculties it is the End.