[105]
30. But it is essential to every inquiry about
duty that we keep before our eyes how far superior
man is by nature to cattle and other beasts: they
have no thought except for sensual pleasure and
this they are impelled by every instinct to seek;
but man's mind is nurtured by study and meditation; he is always either investigating or doing,
and he is captivated by the pleasure of seeing and
hearing. Nay, even if a man is more than ordinarily
inclined to sensual pleasures, provided, of course, 1
that he be not quite on a level with the beasts of
the field (for some people are men only in name,
not in fact)—if, I say, he is a little too susceptible
[p. 109]
to the attractions of pleasure, he hides the fact,
however much he may be caught in its toils, and
for very shame conceals his appetite.
1 (4) pleasure.
M. Tullius Cicero. De Officiis. With An English Translation. Walter Miller. Cambridge. Harvard University Press; Cambridge, Mass., London, England. 1913.
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