The last inquiry, therefore, concerning this matter is,- Whether it be in a man's power to change the pleasantness and unpleasantness that accompanies any sort of action? And as to that, it is plain, in many cases he can. Men may and should correct their palates, and give relish to what either has, or they suppose has none. The relish of the mind is as various as that of the body, and like that too may be altered; and it is a mistake to think that men cannot change the displeasingness or indifferency that is in actions into pleasure and desire, if they will do but what is in their power. A due consideration will do it in some cases; and practice, application, and custom in most. Bread or tobacco may be neglected where they are shown to be useful to health, because of an indifferency or disrelish to them; reason and consideration at first recommends, and begins their trial, and use finds, or custom makes them pleasant. That this is so in virtue too, is very certain. Actions are pleasing or displeasing, either in themselves, or considered as a means to a greater and more desirable end. The eating of a well-seasoned dish, suited to a man's palate, may move the mind by the delight itself that accompanies the eating, without reference to any other end; to which the consideration of the pleasure there is in health and strength (to which that meat is subservient) may add a new gusto, able to make us swallow an ill-relished potion. In the latter of these, any action is rendered more or less pleasing, only by the contemplation of the end, and the being more or less persuaded of its tendency to it, or necessary connexion with it: but the pleasure of the action itself is best acquired or increased by use and practice. Trials often reconcile us to that, which at a distance we looked on with aversion; and by repetitions wear us into a liking of what possibly, in the first essay, displeased us. Habits have powerful charms, and put so strong attractions of easiness and pleasure into what we accustom ourselves to, that we cannot forbear to do, or at least be easy in the omission of, actions, which habitual practice has suited, and thereby recommends to us. Though this be very visible, and every one's experience shows him he can do so; yet it is a part in the conduct of men towards their happiness, neglected to a degree, that it will be possibly entertained as a paradox, if it be said, that men can make things or actions more or less pleasing to themselves; and thereby remedy that, to which one may justly impute a great deal of their wandering. Fashion and the common opinion having settled wrong notions, and education and custom ill habits, the just values of things are misplaced, and the palates of men corrupted. Pains should be taken to rectify these; and contrary habits change our pleasures, and give a relish to that which is necessary or conducive to our happiness. This every one must confess he can do; and when happiness is lost, and misery overtakes him, he will confess he did amiss in neglecting it, and condemn himself for it; and I ask every one, whether he has not often done so?
同类推荐
热门推荐
翼年代墨迹
不会飞是我最大的缺憾,因此我只得步行。我的名字这并不重要,尊重我的人叫一声高羽小姐,不尊重我的直呼那个女人。我是一位游行者,时尚些说:我是一个爱好游山玩水的旅人。但亲爱的,我想告诉你,这个光景并不太好,因为这是一个异年代。在这里遇上任何什么东西都请不要大惊小怪,譬如,我面前的这只刚死的巨神兽,这副尸体足有半座山那么大,所以很不幸我又得绕路走了。艾墨森轮。这是一个森林茂密的国家。这是一个拥有众多墓地的国家,嘛嘛~要知道无论何时任何故事都是从墓地开始呀。然而这里又有着怎样的story?观光之旅正式开启,请你带着善意的心并相信着作者,跟随着魔女一起前行,贯穿那个时代与你与我进行一次异时空的旅程吧!校草很迷人:我的娇萌小宠妻
“夜哥哥,恋爱是什么味道啊?”她用她那葡萄粒般大的双眸,看着躺在草地上的人儿。“恩....甜甜的味道吧!”“甜甜的?”“恩,就是像糖一样甜的味道......”“有多甜呢?”“恩,就像这样...”说罢,他扣住她的头,吻上了她小巧的樱唇......第一次见面就被一个帅气的小白毛拐了回家,一天至少亲她好几遍,次次都被他吃豆腐,她到底是有多惨啊!******华丽的分割线********本小说作者是新人,年龄很小14岁,上初二,有时会不定期的更新,双休日必更,如果写的不好请多担待,勿喷我啊,看完别忘记【加入书架】哦!或者收藏加推荐,,也可以【送送礼物】啦!最后希望广大读者前来阅读!加入书架!