文档介绍：On the Improvement of the Understanding
On the Improvement of
the Understanding
by Baruch Spinoza
Translated by R. H. M. Elwes
1
On the Improvement of the Understanding
[1] (1) After experience had taught me that all the usual surroundings
of social life are vain and futile; seeing that none of the objects of my fears
contained in themselves anything either good or bad, except in so far as
the mind is affected by them, I finally resolved to inquire whether there
might be some real good having power municate itself, which
would affect the mind singly, to the exclusion of all else: whether, in fact,
there might be anything of which the discovery and attainment would
enable me to enjoy continuous, supreme, and unending happiness.
[2] (1) I say "I finally resolved," for at first sight it seemed unwise
willingly to lose hold on what was sure for the sake of something then
uncertain. (2) I could see the benefits which are acquired through fame
and riches, and that I should be obliged to abandon the quest of such
objects, if I seriously devoted myself to the search for something different
and new. (3) I perceived that if true happiness chanced to be placed in
the former I should necessarily miss it; while if, on the other hand, it
were not so placed, and I gave them my whole attention, I should equally
fail.
[3] (1) I therefore debated whether it would not be possible to arrive
at the new principle, or at any rate at a certainty concerning its existence,
without changing the conduct and usual plan of my life; with this end in
view I made many efforts, in vain. (2) For the ordinary surroundings of
life which are esteemed by men (as their actions testify) to be the highest
good, may be classed under the three heads - Riches, Fame, and the
Pleasures of Sense: with these three the mind is so absorbed that it has
little power to reflect on any different good.
[4] (1) By sensual pleasure the mind is enthralled to the extent of
quiescence,