[8] Because man is by nature a social animal, and cannot attain his true end except as a member of a community.
[9] Society cannot exist without diversity in the functions of its members.
[10] Aristotle, “the master of human reason, who treats of this in many places, for instance in his Ethics, i. 7, where he speaks of man as “by nature social,” so that his end is accomplished only in society.
[11] Human dispositions, the roots of human works, must be diverse in order to produce diverse effects.
[12] The spheres pour down their various influences without discrimination in the choice of the individual upon whom they fall. Hence sons may differ in their dispositions from their fathers.
[13] This additional statement completes the instruction, as a cloak completes the clothing of a body.
CANTO IX.
The Heaven of Venus.—Conversation of Dante with Cunizza da Romano,—With Folco of Marseilles.—Rahab.—Avarice of the Papal Court.
After thy Charles, O beautiful Clemence,[1] had enlightened me, he told to me of the treasons which his seed must suffer. But he said, “Be silent, and let the years revolve:” so that I can tell nothing, save that just lament shall follow on your wrongs.[2]
[1] The widow of Charles Martel.