(1a) See also the note appended thereto.
Note.- (41:2) If he believes that he has given just cause for the love
he will take pride therein ([xxx] & note) ; this is what most often
happens ([xxv] ), and we said that its contrary took place whenever
a man conceives himself to be hated by another. (3) (See note to
preceding proposition.) (4) This reciprocal love, and consequently the
desire of benefitting him who loves us ([xxxix] ), and who endeavours
to benefit us, is called gratitude or thankfulness. (5) It thus appears
that men are much more prone to take vengeance than to return benefits.
Corollary.- (41:6) He who imagines, that he is loved by one whom he hates,
will be a prey to conflicting hatred and love. (7) This is proved in the
same way as the first corollary of the preceding proposition.
Note.-(41:8) If hatred be the prevailing emotion, he will endeavour to
injure him who loves him; this emotion is called cruelty, especially if
the victim be believed to have given no ordinary cause for hatred.
Prop. [XLII] He who has conferred a benefit on anyone from
motives of love or honour will feel pain, if he
sees that the benefit is received without gratitude.
Proof.- (42:1) When a man loves something similar to himself, he
endeavours, as far as he can, to bring it about that he should be
loved thereby in return ([xxxiii] ).
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