(28:5) Again, if we conceive that something, which we believed to be the
cause of pain, that is ([xiii] note), which we hate, is destroyed,
we shall rejoice ([xx] ). (6) We shall, therefore (by the first part
of this proof), endeavour to destroy, the same, or ([xiii] ) to
remove it from us, so that we may not regard it as present; this was our
second point. (7) Wherefore whatsoever conduces to pleasure, &c. Q.E.D.
Prop. XXIX. We shall also endeavour to do whatsoever we conceive men
(NB. By "men" in this and the following propositions,
I mean men whom we regard without any particular emotion.)
to regard with pleasure, and contrariwise we shall shrink
from doing that which we conceive men to shrink from.
Proof.- (29:1) From the fact of imagining, that men love or hate
anything, we shall love or hate the same thing ([xxvii] ).
(2) That is ([xiii] note), from this mere fact we shall feel pleasure
or pain at the thing's presence. (3) And so we shall endeavour to do
whatever we conceive men to love or regard with pleasure, etc. Q.E.D.
Note.- (29:44) This endeavour to do a thing or leave it undone, solely
in order to please men, we call ambition, especially when we so eagerly
endeavour to please the vulgar, that we do or omit certain things to
our own or another's hurt: in other cases it is generally called
kindliness.
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