i] & III:[De.ii] ), that is (III:[vii] ), the
power of a passion cannot be defined by the power, whereby we ourselves
endeavour to persist in existing, but (as is shown in II:[xvi] ) mus
necessarily be defined by the power of an external cause compared with
our own. Q.E.D.
Prop. [VI] The force of any passion or emotion can overcome
the rest of a man's activities or power, so that
the emotion becomes obstinately fixed to him.
Proof.- (6:1) The force and increase of any passion and its persistence
in existing are defined by the power of an external cause compared with
our own (by the foregoing Prop.); therefore ([iii] ) it can overcome a
man's power, &e. Q.E.D.
Prop. [VII] An emotion can only be controlled or destroyed
by another emotion contrary thereto, and with
more power for controlling emotion.
Proof.- (7:1) Emotion, in so far as it is referred to the mind, is an
idea, whereby the mind affirms of its body a greater or less force of
existence than before (cf. III:[GENERAL DEFINITION OF THE EMOTIONS] ).
(2) When, therefore, the mind is assailed by any emotion, the body is
at the same time affected with a modification whereby its power of
activity is increased or diminished. (3) Now this modification of the
body ([v] ) receives from its cause the force for persistence in
being; which force can only be checked or destroyed by a bodily cause
(II:[vi] ), in virtue of the body being affected with a modification
contrary to (III:[v] ) and stronger than itself ([AXIOM] ); wherefore
(II:[xii] ) the mind is affected by the idea of a modification contrary
to, and stronger than the former modification, in other words, (by
III:[GENERAL DEFINITION OF THE EMOTIONS] ) the mind will be affected
by an emotion contrary to and stronger than the former emotion, which
will exclude or destroy the existence of the former emotion; thus an
emotion cannot be destroyed nor controlled except by a contrary and
stronger emotion.
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