On the Improvement of the Understanding | Page 4

disturbed and dulled. (2) The pursuit of honors
and riches is likewise very absorbing, especially if such objects be
sought simply for their own sake, [a] inasmuch as they are then
supposed to constitute the highest good.
[5] (1) In the case of fame the mind is still more absorbed, for fame is
conceived as always good for its own sake, and as the ultimate end to
which all actions are directed. (2) Further, the attainment of riches and

fame is not followed as in the case of sensual pleasures by repentance,
but, the more we acquire, the greater is our delight, and, consequently,
the more are we incited to increase both the one and the other; on the
other hand, if our hopes happen to be frustrated we are plunged into the
deepest sadness. (3) Fame has the further drawback that it compels its
votaries to order their lives according to the opinions of their
fellow-men, shunning what they usually shun, and seeking what they
usually seek.
[6] (1) When I saw that all these ordinary objects of desire would be
obstacles in the way of a search for something different and new - nay,
that they were so opposed thereto, that either they or it would have to
be abandoned, I was forced to inquire which would prove the most
useful to me: for, as I say, I seemed to be willingly losing hold on a
sure good for the sake of something uncertain. (6:2) However, after I
had reflected on the matter, I came in the first place to the conclusion
that by abandoning the ordinary objects of pursuit, and betaking myself
to a new quest, I should be leaving a good, uncertain by reason of its
own nature, as may be gathered from what has been said, for the sake
of a good not uncertain in its nature (for I sought for a fixed good), but
only in the possibility of its attainment.
[7] (1) Further reflection convinced me that if I could really get to the
root of the matter I should be leaving certain evils for a certain good. (2)
I thus perceived that I was in a state of great peril, and I compelled
myself to seek with all my strength for a remedy, however uncertain it
might be; as a sick man struggling with a deadly disease, when he sees
that death will surely be upon him unless a remedy be found, is
compelled to seek a remedy with all his strength, inasmuch as his
whole hope lies therein. (7:3) All the objects pursued by the multitude
not only bring no remedy that tends to preserve our being, but even act
as hindrances, causing the death not seldom of those who possess them,
[b] and always of those who are possessed by them.
[8] (1) There are many examples of men who have suffered persecution
even to death for the sake of their riches, and of men who in pursuit of
wealth have exposed themselves to so many dangers, that they have

paid away their life as a penalty for their folly. (2) Examples are no less
numerous of men, who have endured the utmost wretchedness for the
sake of gaining or preserving their reputation. (3) Lastly, are
innumerable cases of men, who have hastened their death through
over-indulgence in sensual pleasure.
[9] (1) All these evils seem to have arisen from the fact, that happiness
or unhappiness is made wholly dependent on the quality of the object
which we love. (2) When a thing is not loved, no quarrels will arise
concerning it - no sadness be felt if it hatred, in short no disturbances of
the mind. (3) All these arise from the love of what is perishable, such as
the objects already mentioned.
[10] (1) But love towards a thing eternal and infinite feeds the mind
wholly with joy, and is itself unmingled with any sadness, wherefore it
is greatly to be desired and sought for with all our strength. (2) Yet it
was not at random that I used the words, "If I could go to the root of the
matter," for, though what I have urged was perfectly clear to my mind,
I could not forthwith lay aside all love of riches, sensual enjoyment,
and fame.
[11] (1) One thing was evident, namely, that while my mind was
employed with these thoughts it turned away from its former objects of
desire, and seriously considered the search for a new principle; this
state of things was a great comfort to me, for I perceived that the evils
were not such as to resist all remedies. (11:2) Although these intervals
were at first rare, and of very short duration, yet afterwards, as the true
good became more and more discernible to