[922] Those men of little intelligence who stop (in
their speculations), having adopted either of these doctrines, indeed,
those men who regard nature as the cause, never succeed in obtaining any
benefit for themselves.[923] This belief in Nature (as the producing and
the sustaining Cause), arising as it does from a mind acting under the
influence of error, brings about the destruction of the person who
cherishes it. Listen now to the truth with respect to these two doctrines
that maintain (1) that things exist by their own nature and (2) that they
flow (in consequence of their own nature) from others that are different
from and that precede them.[924] Wise men apply themselves to agriculture
and tillage, and the acquisition of crops (by those means) and of
vehicles (for locomotion) and seats and carpets and houses. They attend
also to the laying of pleasure-gardens, the construction of commodious
mansions, and the preparation of medicines, for diseases of every kind.
It is wisdom (which consists in the application of means) that leads to
the fruition of purposes. It is wisdom that wins beneficial results. It
is wisdom that enables kings to exercise and enjoy sovereignty although
they are possessed of attributes equal to those of persons over whom they
rule.[925] It is by wisdom that the high and the low among beings are
distinguished. It is by wisdom that the superior and the inferior ones
among created objects are understood. It is wisdom or knowledge that is
the highest refuge of all things.
Pages:
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030