Q.E.D.
Prop. [XVII] Desire arising from the true knowledge of
good and evil, in so far as such knowledge
is concerned with what is contingent, can
be controlled far more easily still, than
desire for things that are present.
Proof.- (17:1) This Prop. is proved in the same way as the last
Prop. from [xii] Coroll.
Note.- (17:2) I think I have now shown the reason, why men are moved
by opinion more readily than by true reason, why it is that the true
knowledge of good and evil stirs up conflicts in the soul, and often
yields to every kind of passion. (3) This state of things gave rise
to the exclamation of the poet: (Ov. Met. vii.20, "Video meliora
proboque, Deteriora sequor.")
The better path I gaze at and approve,
The worse - I follow."
(17:4) Ecclesiastes seems to have had the same thought in his mind,
when he says, "He who increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow." (5) I
have not written the above with the object of drawing the conclusion,
that ignorance is more excellent than knowledge, or that a wise man is
on a par with a fool in controlling his emotions, but because it is
necessary to know the power and the infirmity of our nature, before we
can determine what reason can do in restraining the emotions, and what
is beyond her power. (6) I have said, that in the present part I shall
merely treat of human infirmity.
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