4p60d.md (840B)
1 Let it be assumed, for instance, that A, a part of a 2 body, is so strengthened by some external cause, that it prevails 3 over the remaining parts (IV. vi.). This part will not endeavour 4 to do away with its own powers, in order that the other parts of 5 the body may perform its office; for this it would be necessary 6 for it to have a force or power of doing away with its own 7 powers, which (III. vi.) is absurd. The said part, and, 8 consequently, the mind also, will endeavour to preserve its 9 condition. Wherefore desire arising from a pleasure of the kind 10 aforesaid has no utility in reference to a man as a whole. If it 11 be assumed, on the other hand, that the part, A, be checked so 12 that the remaining parts prevail, it may be proved in the same 13 manner that desire arising from pain has no utility in respect to 14 a man as a whole. Q.E.D. 15 16