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It is with good reason questioned which of the two parties one

should follow, both having plausibility on their side. Perhaps

then, in respect of theories of this kind, the proper course is

to distinguish and define how far each is true, and in what way.

If we could ascertain the sense in which each uses the term

"Self-loving," this point might be cleared up.

Well now, they who use it disparagingly give the name to those

who, in respect of wealth, and honours, and pleasures of the

body, give to themselves the larger share: because the mass of

mankind grasp after these and are earnest about them as being the

best things; which is the reason why they are matters of

contention. They who are covetous in regard to these gratify

their lusts and passions in general, that is to say the

irrational part of their soul: now the mass of mankind are so

disposed, for which reason the appellation has taken its rise

from that mass which is low and bad. Of course they are justly

reproached who are Self-loving in this sense.