(8) For the eyes of the
mind, whereby it sees and observes things, are none other than proofs.
(9) Thus, although we do not remember that we existed before the body,
yet we feel that our mind, in so far as it involves the essence of the
body, under the form of eternity, is eternal, and that thus its existence
cannot be defined in terms of time, or explained through duration.
(23:10) Thus our mind can only be said to endure, and its existence can
only be defined by a fixed time, in so far as it involves the actual
existence of the body. (23:11) Thus far only has it the power of
determining the existence of things by time, and conceiving them under
the category of duration.
Prop. [XXIV] The more we understand particular
things, the more do we understand God.
Proof.- (24:1) This is evident from I:[xxv] Coroll.
Prop. [XXV] The highest endeavour of the mind,
and the highest virtue is to
understand things by the third
kind of knowledge.
Proof.- (25:1) The third kind of knowledge proceeds from an adequate
idea of certain attributes of God to an adequate knowledge of the
essence of things (see its definition III:[xl] Note ii.); and, in
proportion as we understand things more in this way, we better
understand God (by [xxiv] ); therefore (IV:[xxviii] ) the highest
virtue of the mind, that is (IV:[D.viii] ) the power, or nature, or
(III:[vii] ) highest endeavour of the mind, is to understand things
by the third kind of knowledge.
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