59:(20) Lastly, the definitions of the emotions require to be supplemented
in a few points; I will therefore repeat them, interpolating such
observations as I think should here and there be added.
____________________________________________________________________________
[DEFINITIONS OF THE EMOTIONS]
[DE.I] Desire is the actual essence of man, in so far as it is
conceived, as determined to a particular activity by some
given modification of itself.
Explanation.- (E1:1) We have said above, in the note to II:[ix] of this
part, that desire is appetite, with consciousness thereof; further,
that appetite is the essence of man, in so far as it is determined
to act in a way tending to promote its own persistence. (2) But, in
the same note, I also remarked that strictly speaking, I recognize no
distinction between appetite and desire. (3) For whether a man be
conscious of his appetite or not, it remains one and the same appetite.
(E1:4) Thus, in order to avoid the appearance of tautology, I have
refrained from explaining desire by appetite; but I have taken care
to define it in such a manner, as to, comprehend, under one head, all
those endeavours of human nature, which we distinguish by the terms
appetite, will, desire, or impulse. (5) I might, indeed, have said, that
desire is the essence of man, in so far as it is conceived as determined
to a particular activity; but from such a definition (cf.
Pages:
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218