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On the Improvement of the Understanding
On the Improvement of
the Understanding
by Baruch Spinoza
Translated by R。 H。 M。 Elwes
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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 to communicate 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； as if the supreme good were actually attained； so that it is
quite incapable of thinking of any other object； when such pleasure has
been gratified it is followed by extreme melancholy； whereby the mind；
though not enthralled； is 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。
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On the Improvement of the Understanding
＇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
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On the Improvement of the Understanding
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 unmingl