IT is impossible but that habits and faculties must either be first produced, or strengthened and increased, by corresponding actions. Hence the philosophers derive the growth of all infirmities. When you once desire money, for example, if a degree of reasoning sufficient to produce a sense of the evil be applied, the desire ceases, and the governing faculty of the mind regains its authority: whereas, if you apply no remedy, it returns no more to its former state; but, being again excited by a corresponding appearance, it kindles at the desire more quickly than before, and, by frequent repetitions, at last becomes callous: and by this infirmity is the love of money fixed.
EPICTETUS. DISCOURSES. Book ii. §13. ¶2.
Desire is the problem... it is not a balanced emotion. When we desire anything it becomes a negative influence in our life.
ReplyDeleteThis I find fascinating. So do you view desire as something not valuable. I mean, desiring something is bad in general? Is it connected to the idea that one should always strive to live in accordance with nature? I don't fully get this concept. Desiring vacation, or contribution for society should for example not pose negative things..? Great blog!
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