[De.XII] Hope is an inconstant pleasure, arising from the idea
of something past or future, whereof we to a certain
extent doubt the issue.
[De.XIII] Fear is an inconstant pain arising from the idea of
something past or future, whereof we to a
extent doubt the issue (cf. [xviii] note).
Explanation.- (E13:1) From these definitions it follows, that there is
no hope unmingled with fear, and no fear unmingled with hope. (2) For
he, who depends on hope and doubts concerning the issue of anything, is
assumed to conceive something, which excludes the existence of the said
thing in the future; therefore he, to this extent, feels pain
(cf. [xix] ); consequently, while dependent on hope, he fears for
the issue. (E13:3) Contrariwise be, who fears, in other words doubts,
concerning the issue of something which he hates, also conceives something
which excludes the existence of the thing in question; to this extent he
feels pleasure, and consequently to this extent he hopes that it will turn
out as he desires ([xx] ).
[De.XIV] Confidence is pleasure arising from the idea of
something past or future, wherefrom all cause of
doubt has been removed.
[De.XV] Despair is pain arising from the idea of something
past or future, wherefrom all cause of doubt has
been removed.
Explanation.- (E15:1) Thus confidence springs from hope, and despair from
fear, when all cause for doubt as to the issue of an event has been
removed: this comes to pass, because man conceives something past or
future as present and regards it as such, or else because he conceives
other things, which exclude the existence of the causes of his doubt.
Pages:
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223