What do they say?
That after all nothing is pleasanter than health. But then they never knew this to be the greatest of pleasures until [D]they were ill.
Yes, I know, he said.
The states intermediate between pleasure and pain are termed pleasures or pains only in relation to their opposites. And when persons are suffering from acute pain, you must have heard them say that there is nothing pleasanter than to get rid of their pain?
I have.
And there are many other cases of suffering in which the mere rest and cessation of pain, and not any positive enjoyment, is extolled by them as the greatest pleasure?
Yes, he said; at the time they are pleased and well content to be at rest.
[E] Again, when pleasure ceases, that sort of rest or cessation will be painful?
Doubtless, he said.
Then the intermediate state of rest will be pleasure and will also be pain?