Q.E.D.
Prop. [XXVI] In proportion as the mind is more
capable of understanding things by
the third kind of knowledge, it
desires more to understand things
by that kind.
Proof.- (26:1) This is evident. (2) For, in so far as we conceive
the mind to be capable of conceiving things by this kind of knowledge,
we, to that extent, conceive it as determined thus to conceive things;
and consequently (III:[De.i] ), the mind desires so to do, in
proportion as it is more capable thereof. Q.E.D.
Prop. [XXVII] From this third kind of knowledge arises
the highest possible mental acquiescence.
Proof.- (27:1) The highest virtue of the mind is to know God (IV:[xxviii] ),
or to understand things by the third kind of knowledge ([xxv] ), and this
virtue is greater in proportion as the mind knows things more by the said
kind of knowledge ([xxiv] ): consequently, he who knows things by this
kind of knowledge passes to the summit of human perfection, and is
therefore (III:[De.ii] ) affected by the highest pleasure, such pleasure
being accompanied by the idea of himself and his own virtue; thus
(III:[De.xxv] ), from this kind of knowledge arises the highest possible
acquiescence. Q.E.D.
Prop. [XXVIII] The endeavour or desire to know things
by the third kind of knowledge cannot
arise from the first, but from the
second kind of knowledge.
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