(17) So, again, those who have been ill received by a woman they
love think of nothing but the inconstancy, treachery, and other stock
faults of the fair sex; all of which they consign to oblivion, directly
they are again taken into favour by their sweetheart. (18) Thus he who
would govern his emotions and appetite solely by the love of freedom
strives, as far as he can, to gain a knowledge of the virtues and their
causes, and to fill his spirit with the joy which arises from the true
knowledge of them: he will in no wise desire to dwell on men's faults,
or to carp at his fellows, or to revel in a false show of freedom.
(10:19) Whosoever will diligently observe and practise these precepts
(which indeed are not difficult) will verily, in a short space of time,
be able, for the most part, to direct his actions according to the
commandments of reason.
Prop. [XI] In proportion as a mental image is referred
to more objects, so is it more frequent, or
more often vivid, and occupies the mind more.
Proof.- (11:1) In proportion as a mental image or an emotion is referred
to more objects, so are there more causes whereby it can be aroused and
fostered, all of which (by hypothesis) the mind contemplates simultaneously
in association with the given emotion; therefore the emotion is more
frequent, or is more often in full vigour, and ([viii] ) occupies the mind
more.
Pages:
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345