4p61d.md (719B)
1 Desire (Def. of the Emotions, i.) considered 2 absolutely is the actual essence of man, in so far as it is 3 conceived as in any way determined to a particular activity by 4 some given modification of itself. Hence desire, which arises 5 from reason, that is (III. iii.), which is engendered in us in so 6 far as we act, is the actual essence or nature of man, in so far 7 as it is conceived as determined to such activities as are 8 adequately conceived through man's essence only (III. Def. ii.). 9 Now, if such desire could be excessive, human nature considered 10 in itself alone would be able to exceed itself, or would be able 11 to do more than it can, a manifest contradiction. Therefore, 12 such desire cannot be excessive. Q.E.D. 13 14