Page:Ferrier Works vol 2 1888 LECTURES IN GREEK PHILOSOPHY.pdf/355

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GREEK PHILOSOPHY.

in eating or drinking, it is nevertheless quite reasonable to set forth enjoyment as the end, and even as the chief end, which we have in view in taking food. The other end—life, namely, and health—having been laid down as an end to be taken for granted, as an end which must be attained in the very preservation of our existence, our attention will now be very properly fixed on enjoyment as our great and ultimate aim; it will be our duty to apply ourselves to the food for which we have the greatest liking, and to shun that for which we have the greatest loathing; subject, I again say, to the restriction already spoken of, but subject to no other limitation.

33. Still to continue the illustration. We see that the individual, whom we are supposing to have now two ends set before him, has two standards to direct him. He has the old standard, his life, namely, and health and strength. This was his standard when he was supposed to derive no enjoyment from eating and drinking; and he has the new standard, the enjoyment, namely, which after a time we supposed him to acquire. The old standard still retains its force, but so long as it is not violated, so long as life and health are preserved entire, it remains quiescent and allows the new standard to prevail. This new standard rules the day, it directs the man, it carries everything before it; and it properly does so, provided the fundamental law of his life and health be preserved inviolate. Thus I conceive the two