Prop. [XXXII] If we conceive that anyone takes delight in something,
which only one person can possess, we shall endeavour
to bring it about that the man in question shall not
gain possession thereof.
Proof.- (32:1) From the mere fact of our conceiving that another person
takes delight in a thing (II:[xxvii] & Coroll.) we shall ourselves love that
thing and desire to take delight therein. (2) But we assumed that the
pleasure in question would be prevented by another's delight in its
object; we shall, therefore, endeavour to prevent his possession thereof
([xxviii] ). Q.E.D.
Note.- (32:3) We thus see that man's nature is generally so constituted,
that he takes pity on those who fare ill, and envies those who fare well
with an amount of hatred proportioned to his own love for the goods in
their possession. (4) Further, we see that from the same property of
human nature, whence it follows that men are merciful, it follows also
that they are envious and ambitious. (5) Lastly, if we make appeal to
Experience, we shall find that she entirely confirms what we have said;
more especially if we turn our attention to the first years of our life.
(32:6) We find that children, whose body is continually, as it were, in
equilibrium, laugh or cry simply because they see others laughing or
crying; moreover, they desire forthwith to imitate whatever they see
others doing, and to possess themselves whatever they conceive as
delighting others: inasmuch as the images of things are, as we have said,
modifications of the human body, or modes wherein the human body, is
affected and disposed by external causes to act in
this or that manner.
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