12
But we may now at once enter upon the question, having commenced, as is our wont, with laying down the doctrine, and so proceed to the account of these persons, giving glory to the all wise God.
13
The question, therefore, is, whether reasoning be absolute master of the passions.
14
Let us determine, then, What is reasoning? and what passion? and how many forms of the passions? and whether reasoning bears sway over all of these?
15
Reasoning is, then, intellect accompanied by a life of rectitude, putting foremost the consideration of wisdom.
16
And wisdom is a knowledge of divine and human things, and of their causes.
17
And this is contained in the education of the law; by means of which we learn divine things reverently, and human things profitably.
18
And the forms of wisdom are prudence, and justice, and manliness, and temperance.
19
The leading one of these is prudence; by whose means, indeed, it is that reasoning bears rule over the passions.
20
Of the passions, pleasure and pain are the two most comprehensive; and they also by nature refer to the soul.
21
And there are many attendant affections surrounding pleasure and pain.
22
Before pleasure is lust; and after pleasure, joy.