Prop. LIV. Repentance is not a virtue, or does not arise from reason ; but he who repents of an action is doubly wretched or infirm.
Proof.- The first part of this proposition is proved like the foregoing one. The second part is proved from the mere definition of the emotion in question (Def. of the Emotions:xxvii.). For the man allows himself to be overcome, first, by evil desires; secondly, by pain.
Note.- As men seldom live under the guidance of reason, these two emotions, namely, Humility and Repentance, as also Hope and Fear, bring more good than harm; hence, as we must sin, we had better sin in that direction. For, if all men who are a prey to emotion were all equally proud, they would shrink from nothing, and would fear nothing; how then could they be joined and linked together in bonds of union? The crowd plays the tyrant, when it is not in fear; hence we need not wonder that the prophets, who consulted the good, not of a few, but of all, so strenuously commended Humility, Repentance, and Reverence. Indeed those who are a prey to these emotions may be led much more easily than others to live under the guidance of reason, that is, to become free and to enjoy the life of the blessed.
Prop. LV. Extreme pride or dejection indicates extreme ignorance of self.
Proof.- This is evident from Def. of the Emotions:xxviii. and xxix.
Prop. LVI. Extreme pride or dejection indicates extreme infirmity of spirit.
Proof.- The first foundation of virtue is self-preservation (IV:xxii.Coroll.) under the guidance of reason (IV:xxiv.). He, therefore, who is ignorant of himself, is ignorant of the foundation of all virtues, and consequently of all virtues. Again, to act virtuously is merely to act under the guidance of reason (IV:xxiv.): now he, that acts under the guidance of reason, must necessarily know that he so acts (III:xliii.). Therefore he who is in extreme ignorance of himself, and consequently of all virtues, acts least in obedience to virtue; in other words (IV:Def.viii.), is most infirm of spirit. Thus extreme pride or dejection indicates extreme infirmity of spirit. Q.E.D.
Corollary.- Hence it most clearly follows, that the proud and the dejected specially fall a prey to the emotions.
Note.- Yet dejection can be more easily corrected than pride; for the latter being a pleasurable emotion, and the former a painful emotion, the pleasurable is stronger than the painful (IV:xviii.).
Prop. LVII. The proud man delights in the company of flatterers and parasites, but hates the company of the high-minded.