Pagina 12 di 734

Now of the Chief Good (i.e. of Happiness) men seem to form their

notions from the different modes of life, as we might naturally

expect: the many and most low conceive it to be pleasure, and

hence they are content with the life of sensual enjoyment. For

there are three lines of life which stand out prominently to

view: that just mentioned, and the life in society, and, thirdly,

the life of contemplation.

Now the many are plainly quite slavish, choosing a life like that

of brute animals: yet they obtain some consideration, because

many of the great share the tastes of Sardanapalus. The refined

and active again conceive it to be honour: for this may be said

to be the end of the life in society: yet it is plainly too

superficial for the object of our search, because it is thought

to rest with those who pay rather than with him who receives it,

whereas the Chief Good we feel instinctively must be something

which is our own, and not easily to be taken from us.