Prop. [XLVII] Emotions of hope and fear
cannot be in themselves good.
Proof.- (47:1) Emotions of hope and fear cannot exist without pain.
(2) For fear is pain (III:[D.xiii] ), and hope (III:[De.xii] and
III:[De.xiii] ) cannot exist without fear; therefore ([xli] ) these
emotions cannot be good in themselves, but only in so far as they can
restrain excessive pleasure ([xliii] ). Q.E.D.
Note.- (47:3) We may add, that these emotions show defective knowledge
and an absence of power in the mind; for the same reason confidence,
despair, joy, and disappointment are signs of a want of mental power.
(4) For although confidence and joy are pleasurable emotions,
they, nevertheless imply a preceding, pain, namely, hope and
(47:5) Wherefore the more we endeavour to be guided by reason, the
less do we depend on hope; we endeavour to free ourselves from fear,
and, as far as we can, to dominate fortune, directing our actions
by the sure counsels of wisdom.
Prop. [XLVIII] The emotions of over-esteem and
disparagement are always bad.
Proof.- (48:1) These emotions (see III:[De.xxi] , III:[De.xxii] ) are
repugnant to reason; and are therefore ([xxvi] , [xxvii] ) bad. Q.E.D.
Prop. [XLIX] Over-esteem is apt to render its object proud.
Proof.- (49:1) If we see that any one rates us too highly, for love's
sake, we are apt to become elated (III:[xli] ), or to be pleasurably
affected (III:[De.
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