Prop. [LXIX] The virtue of a free man is seen to be as great,
when it declines dangers, as when it overcomes them.
Proof.- (69:1) Emotion can only be checked or removed by an emotion
contrary to itself, and possessing more power in restraining emotion
([vii] ). (2) But blind daring and fear are emotions, which can be
conceived as equally great ([v]. and [iii] ): hence, no less virtue
or firmness is required in checking daring than in checking fear
(III:[lix] Note); in other words (III:[De.xl] and III:[De.xli] ),
the free man shows as much virtue, when he declines dangers, as when
he strives to overcome them. Q.E.D.
Corollary.- (69:3) The free man is as courageous in timely retreat as
in combat; or, a free man shows equal courage or presence of mind,
whether he elect to give battle or to retreat.
Note.- (69:4) What courage (animositas) is, and what I mean thereby,
I explained in III:[lix] Note. (5) By danger I mean everything,
which can give rise to any evil, such as pain, hatred, discord, &c.
Prop. [LXX] The free man, who lives among the ignorant, strives,
as far as he can, to avoid receiving favours from them.
Proof.- (70:1) Everyone judges what is good according to his disposition
(III:[xxxix] Note); wherefore an ignorant man, who has conferred a benefit
on another, puts his own estimate upon it, and, if it appears to be
estimated less highly by the receiver, will feel pain (III:[xlii] ).
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