Prop. [XLI] Even if we did not know that our mind
is eternal, we should still consider
as of primary importance piety and
religion, and generally all things which,
in Part IV., we showed to be attributable
to courage and high-mindedness.
Proof.- (41:1) The first and only, foundation of virtue, or the rule of
right living is (IV:[xxii] Coroll. and IV:[xxiv] ) seeking one's own
true interest. (2) Now, while we determined what reason prescribes
as useful, we took no account of the mind's eternity, which has only
become known to us in this Fifth Part. (3) Although we were ignorant
at that time that the mind is eternal, we nevertheless stated that the
qualities attributable to courage and high-mindedness are of primary
importance. (4) Therefore, even if we were still ignorant of this
doctrine, we should yet put the aforesaid precepts of reason in the
first place. Q.E.D.
Note.- (41:5) The general belief of the multitude seems to be different.
(6) Most people seem to believe that they are free, in so far as they may
obey their lusts, and that they cede their rights, in so far as they are
bound to live according to the commandments of the divine law. (7) They
therefore believe that piety, religion, and, generally, all things
attributable to firmness of mind, are burdens, which, after death,
they hope to lay aside, and to receive the reward for their bondage,
that is, for their piety, and religion; it is not only by this hope,
but also, and chiefly, by the fear of being horribly punished after
death, that they are induced to live according to the divine commandments,
so far as their feeble and infirm spirit will carry them.
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