4p45c2sc.md (2018B)
1 Between derision (which I have in Coroll. I. stated to 2 be bad) and laughter I recognize a great difference. For 3 laughter, as also jocularity, is merely pleasure; therefore, so 4 long as it be not excessive, it is in itself good (IV. xli.). 5 Assuredly nothing forbids man to enjoy himself, save grim and 6 gloomy superstition. For why is it more lawful to satiate one's 7 hunger and thirst than to drive away one's melancholy? I reason, 8 and have convinced myself as follows: No deity, nor anyone else, 9 save the envious, takes pleasure in my infirmity and discomfort, 10 nor sets down to my virtue the tears, sobs, fear, and the like, 11 which axe signs of infirmity of spirit; on the contrary, the 12 greater the pleasure wherewith we are affected, the greater the 13 perfection whereto we pass; in other words, the more must we 14 necessarily partake of the divine nature. Therefore, to make use 15 of what comes in our way, and to enjoy it as much as possible 16 (not to the point of satiety, for that would not be enjoyment) is 17 the part of a wise man. I say it is the part of a wise man to 18 refresh and recreate himself with moderate and pleasant food and 19 drink, and also with perfumes, with the soft beauty of growing 20 plants, with dress, with music, with many sports, with theatres, 21 and the like, such as every man may make use of without injury to 22 his neighbour. For the human body is composed of very numerous 23 parts, of diverse nature, which continually stand in need of 24 fresh and varied nourishment, so that the whole body may be 25 equally capable of performing all the actions, which follow from 26 the necessity of its own nature; and, consequently, so that the 27 mind may also be equally capable of understanding many things 28 simultaneously. This way of life, then, agrees best with our 29 principles, and also with general practice; therefore, if there 30 be any question of another plan, the plan we have mentioned is 31 the best, and in every way to be commended. There is no need for 32 me to set forth the matter more clearly or in more detail. 33 34