4p26d.md (1076B)
1 The effort for self–preservation is nothing else but 2 the essence of the thing in question (III. vii.), which, in so 3 far as it exists such as it is, is conceived to have force for 4 continuing in existence (III. vi.) and doing such things as 5 necessarily follow from its given nature (see the Def. of 6 Appetite, III. ix. note). But the essence of reason is nought 7 else but our mind, in so far as it clearly and distinctly 8 understands (see the definition in II. xl. note. ii.); therefore 9 (II. xl.) whatsoever we endeavour in obedience to reason is 10 nothing else but to understand. Again, since this effort of the 11 mind wherewith the mind endeavours, in so far as it reasons, to 12 preserve its own being is nothing else but understanding; this 13 effort at understanding is (IV. xxii. Coroll.) the first and 14 single basis of virtue, nor shall we endeavour to understand 15 things for the sake of any ulterior object (IV. xxv.); on the 16 other hand, the mind, in so far as it reasons, will not be able 17 to conceive any good for itself, save such things as are 18 conducive to understanding. 19 20