No More Learning

and in the season of health we recall past pains without
feeling pain . . . and in proportion are the more filled with joy and
gladness": and again (Confess. viii, 3) he says that "the more peril
there was in the battle, so much the more joy will there be in the
triumph. "

Reply to Objection 1: Sometimes accidentally a thing is the cause of
its contrary: thus "that which is cold sometimes causes heat," as
stated in Phys. viii, 1. In like manner sadness is the accidental cause
of pleasure, in so far as it gives rise to the apprehension of
something pleasant.

Reply to Objection 2: Sad things, called to mind, cause pleasure, not
in so far as they are sad and contrary to pleasant things; but in so
far as man is delivered from them. In like manner the recollection of
pleasant things, by reason of these being lost, may cause sadness.

Reply to Objection 3: Hatred also can be the accidental cause of love:
i. e. so far as some love one another, inasmuch as they agree in hating
one and the same thing.
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Whether the actions of others are a cause of pleasure to us?

Objection 1: It would seem that the actions of others are not a cause
of pleasure to us. Because the cause of pleasure is our own good when
conjoined to us. But the actions of others are not conjoined to us.
Therefore they are not a cause of pleasure to us.

Objection 2: Further, the action is the agent's own good. If,
therefore, the actions of others are a cause of pleasure to us, for the
same reason all goods belonging to others will be pleasing to us: which
is evidently untrue.

Objection 3: Further, action is pleasant through proceeding from an
innate habit; hence it is stated in Ethic. ii, 3 that "we must reckon
the pleasure which follows after action, as being the sign of a habit
existing in us. " But the actions of others do not proceed from habits
existing in us, but, sometimes, from habits existing in the agents.
Therefore the actions of others are not pleasing to us, but to the
agents themselves.

On the contrary, It is written in the second canonical epistle of John
(verse 4): "I was exceeding glad that I found thy children walking in
truth. "

I answer that, As stated above [1278](A[1]; Q[31], A[1]), two things
are requisite for pleasure, namely, the attainment of one's proper
good, and the knowledge of having obtained it. Wherefore the action of
another may cause pleasure to us in three ways. First, from the fact
that we obtain some good through the action of another. And in this
way, the actions of those who do some good to us, are pleasing to us:
since it is pleasant to be benefited by another. Secondly, from the
fact that another's action makes us to know or appreciate our own good:
and for this reason men take pleasure in being praised or honored by
others, because, to wit, they thus become aware of some good existing
in themselves. And since this appreciation receives greater weight from
the testimony of good and wise men, hence men take greater pleasure in
being praised and honored by them. And because a flatterer appears to
praise, therefore flattery is pleasing to some. And as love is for
something good, while admiration is for something great, so it is
pleasant to be loved and admired by others, inasmuch as a man thus
becomes aware of his own goodness or greatness, through their giving
pleasure to others. Thirdly, from the fact that another's actions, if
they be good, are reckoned as one's own good, by reason of the power of
love, which makes a man to regard his friend as one with himself. And
on account of hatred, which makes one to reckon another's good as being
in opposition to oneself, the evil action of an enemy becomes an object
of pleasure: whence it is written (1 Cor. 13:6) that charity "rejoiceth
not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth. "

Reply to Objection 1: Another's action may be conjoined to me, either
by its effect, as in the first way, or by knowledge, as in the second
way; or by affection, as in the third way.

Reply to Objection 2: This argument avails for the third mode, but not
for the first two.

Reply to Objection 3: Although the actions of another do not proceed
from habits that are in me, yet they either produce in me something
that gives pleasure; or they make me appreciate or know a habit of
mind; or they proceed from the habit of one who is united to me by
love.
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Whether doing good to another is a cause of pleasure?

Objection 1: It would seem that doing good to another is not a cause of
pleasure. Because pleasure is caused by one's obtaining one's proper
good, as stated above ([1279]AA[1],5; Q[31], A[1]). But doing good
pertains not to the obtaining but to the spending of one's proper good.
Therefore it seems to be the cause of sadness rather than of pleasure.

Objection 2: Further, the Philosopher says (Ethic. iv, 1) that
"illiberality is more connatural to man than prodigality. " Now it is a
mark of prodigality to do good to others; while it is a mark of
illiberality to desist from doing good. Since therefore everyone takes
pleasure in a connatural operation, as stated in Ethic. vii, 14 and x,
4, it seems that doing good to others is not a cause of pleasure.

Objection 3: Further, contrary effects proceed from contrary causes.
But man takes a natural pleasure in certain kinds of ill-doing, such as
overcoming, contradicting or scolding others, or, if he be angry, in
punishing them, as the Philosopher says (Rhet. i, 11). Therefore doing
good to others is a cause of sadness rather than pleasure.

On the contrary, The Philosopher says (Polit. ii, 2) that "it is most
pleasant to give presents or assistance to friends and strangers. "

I answer that, Doing good to another may give pleasure in three ways.
First, in consideration of the effect, which is the good conferred on
another. In this respect, inasmuch as through being united to others by
love, we look upon their good as being our own, we take pleasure in the
good we do to others, especially to our friends, as in our own good.
Secondly, in consideration of the end; as when a man, from doing good
to another, hopes to get some good for himself, either from God or from
man: for hope is a cause of pleasure. Thirdly, in consideration of the
principle: and thus, doing good to another, can give pleasure in
respect of a threefold principle. One is the faculty of doing good: and
in this regard, doing good to another becomes pleasant, in so far as it
arouses in man an imagination of abundant good existing in him, whereof
he is able to give others a share. Wherefore men take pleasure in their
children, and in their own works, as being things on which they bestow
a share of their own good. Another principle is man's habitual
inclination to do good, by reason of which doing good becomes
connatural to him: for which reason the liberal man takes pleasure in
giving to others. The third principle is the motive: for instance when
a man is moved by one whom he loves, to do good to someone: for
whatever we do or suffer for a friend is pleasant, because love is the
principal cause of pleasure.

Reply to Objection 1: Spending gives pleasure as showing forth one's
good. But in so far as it empties us of our own good it may be a cause
of sadness; for instance when it is excessive.

Reply to Objection 2: Prodigality is an excessive spending, which is
unnatural: wherefore prodigality is said to be contrary to nature.

Reply to Objection 3: To overcome, to contradict, and to punish, give
pleasure, not as tending to another's ill, but as pertaining to one's
own good, which man loves more than he hates another's ill. For it is
naturally pleasant to overcome, inasmuch as it makes a man to
appreciate his own superiority. Wherefore all those games in which
there is a striving for the mastery, and a possibility of winning it,
afford the greatest pleasure: and speaking generally all contests, in
so far as they admit hope of victory. To contradict and to scold can
give pleasure in two ways. First, as making man imagine himself to be
wise and excellent; since it belongs to wise men and elders to reprove
and to scold. Secondly, in so far as by scolding and reproving, one
does good to another: for this gives one pleasure, as stated above. It
is pleasant to an angry man to punish, in so far as he thinks himself
to be removing an apparent slight, which seems to be due to a previous
hurt: for when a man is hurt by another, he seems to be slighted
thereby; and therefore he wishes to be quit of this slight by paying
back the hurt. And thus it is clear that doing good to another may be
of itself pleasant: whereas doing evil to another is not pleasant,
except in so far as it seems to affect one's own good.
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Whether likeness is a cause of pleasure?

Objection 1: It would seem that likeness is not a cause of pleasure.
Because ruling and presiding seem to imply a certain unlikeness. But
"it is natural to take pleasure in ruling and presiding," as stated in
Rhetor. i, 11. Therefore unlikeness, rather than likeness, is a cause
of pleasure.

Objection 2: Further, nothing is more unlike pleasure than sorrow. But
those who are burdened by sorrow are most inclined to seek pleasures,
as the Philosopher says (Ethic. vii, 14). Therefore unlikeness, rather
than likeness, is a cause of pleasure.

Objection 3: Further, those who are satiated with certain delights,
derive not pleasure but disgust from them; as when one is satiated with
food. Therefore likeness is not a cause of pleasure.

On the contrary, Likeness is a cause of love, as above stated
([1280]Q[27], A[3]): and love is the cause of pleasure. Therefore
likeness is a cause of pleasure.

I answer that, Likeness is a kind of unity; hence that which is like
us, as being one with us, causes pleasure; just at it causes love, as
stated above ([1281]Q[27], A[3]). And if that which is like us does not
hurt our own good, but increase it, it is pleasurable simply; for
instance one man in respect of another, one youth in relation to
another. But if it be hurtful to our own good, thus accidentally it
causes disgust or sadness, not as being like and one with us, but as
hurtful to that which is yet more one with us.

Now it happens in two ways that something like is hurtful to our own
good. First, by destroying the measure of our own good, by a kind of
excess; because good, especially bodily good, as health, is conditioned
by a certain measure: wherefore superfluous good or any bodily
pleasure, causes disgust. Secondly, by being directly contrary to one's
own good: thus a potter dislikes other potters, not because they are
potters, but because they deprive him of his own excellence or profits,
which he seeks as his own good.

Reply to Objection 1: Since ruler and subject are in communion with one
another, there is a certain likeness between them: but this likeness is
conditioned by a certain superiority, since ruling and presiding
pertain to the excellence of a man's own good: because they belong to
men who are wise and better than others; the result being that they
give man an idea of his own excellence. Another reason is that by
ruling and presiding, a man does good to others, which is pleasant.

Reply to Objection 2: That which gives pleasure to the sorrowful man,
though it be unlike sorrow, bears some likeness to the man that is
sorrowful: because sorrows are contrary to his own good. Wherefore the
sorrowful man seeks pleasure as making for his own good, in so far as
it is a remedy for its contrary. And this is why bodily pleasures,
which are contrary to certain sorrows, are more sought than
intellectual pleasures, which have no contrary sorrow, as we shall
state later on ([1282]Q[35], A[5]). And this explains why all animals
naturally desire pleasure: because animals ever work through sense and
movement. For this reason also young people are most inclined to seek
pleasures; on account of the many changes to which they are subject,
while yet growing. Moreover this is why the melancholic has a strong
desire for pleasures, in order to drive away sorrow: because his "body
is corroded by a base humor," as stated in Ethic. vii, 14.

Reply to Objection 3: Bodily goods are conditioned by a certain fixed
measure: wherefore surfeit of such things destroys the proper good, and
consequently gives rise to disgust and sorrow, through being contrary
to the proper good of man.
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Whether wonder is a cause of pleasure?

Objection 1: It would seem that wonder is not a cause of pleasure.
Because wonder is the act of one who is ignorant of the nature of
something, as Damascene says. But knowledge, rather than ignorance, is
a cause of pleasure. Therefore wonder is not a cause of pleasure.

Objection 2: Further, wonder is the beginning of wisdom, being as it
were, the road to the search of truth, as stated in the beginning of
Metaph. i, 2. But "it is more pleasant to think of what we know, than
to seek what we know not," as the Philosopher says (Ethic. x, 7): since
in the latter case we encounter difficulties and hindrances, in the
former not; while pleasure arises from an operation which is
unhindered, as stated in Ethic. vii, 12,13. Therefore wonder hinders
rather than causes pleasure.

Objection 3: Further, everyone takes pleasure in what he is accustomed
to: wherefore the actions of habits acquired by custom, are pleasant.
But "we wonder at what is unwonted," as Augustine says (Tract. xxiv in
Joan. ). Therefore wonder is contrary to the cause of pleasure.

On the contrary, The Philosopher says (Rhet. i, 11) that wonder is the
cause of pleasure.

I answer that, It is pleasant to get what one desires, as stated above
([1283]Q[23], A[4]): and therefore the greater the desire for the thing
loved, the greater the pleasure when it is attained: indeed the very
increase of desire brings with it an increase of pleasure, according as
it gives rise to the hope of obtaining that which is loved, since it
was stated above (A[3], ad 3) that desire resulting from hope is a
cause of pleasure. Now wonder is a kind of desire for knowledge; a
desire which comes to man when he sees an effect of which the cause
either is unknown to him, or surpasses his knowledge or faculty of
understanding. Consequently wonder is a cause of pleasure, in so far as
it includes a hope of getting the knowledge which one desires to have.
For this reason whatever is wonderful is pleasing, for instance things
that are scarce. Also, representations of things, even of those which
are not pleasant in themselves, give rise to pleasure; for the soul
rejoices in comparing one thing with another, because comparison of one
thing with another is the proper and connatural act of the reason, as
the Philosopher says (Poet. iv). This again is why "it is more
delightful to be delivered from great danger, because it is something
wonderful," as stated in Rhetor. i, 11.

Reply to Objection 1: Wonder gives pleasure, not because it implies
ignorance, but in so far as it includes the desire of learning the
cause, and in so far as the wonderer learns something new, i. e. that
the cause is other than he had thought it to be. [*According to another
reading:---that he is other than he thought himself to be. ]

Reply to Objection 2: Pleasure includes two things; rest in the good,
and perception of this rest. As to the former therefore, since it is
more perfect to contemplate the known truth, than to seek for the
unknown, the contemplation of what we know, is in itself more pleasing
than the research of what we do not know. Nevertheless, as to the
second, it happens that research is sometimes more pleasing
accidentally, in so far as it proceeds from a greater desire: for
greater desire is awakened when we are conscious of our ignorance. This
is why man takes the greatest pleasure in finding or learning things
for the first time.

Reply to Objection 3: It is pleasant to do what we are wont to do,
inasmuch as this is connatural to us, as it were. And yet things that
are of rare occurrence can be pleasant, either as regards knowledge,
from the fact that we desire to know something about them, in so far as
they are wonderful; or as regards action, from the fact that "the mind
is more inclined by desire to act intensely in things that are new," as
stated in Ethic. x, 4, since more perfect operation causes more perfect
pleasure.
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OF THE EFFECTS OF PLEASURE (FOUR ARTICLES)

We must now consider the effects of pleasure; and under this head there
are four points of inquiry:

(1) Whether expansion is an effect of pleasure?

(2) Whether pleasure causes thirst or desire for itself?

(3) Whether pleasure hinders the use of reason?

(4) Whether pleasure perfects operation?
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Whether expansion is an effect of pleasure?

Objection 1: It would seem that expansion is not an effect of pleasure.
For expansion seems to pertain more to love, according to the Apostle
(2 Cor. 6:11): "Our heart is enlarged. " Wherefore it is written (Ps.
118:96) concerning the precept of charity: "Thy commandment is
exceeding broad. " But pleasure is a distinct passion from love.
Therefore expansion is not an effect of pleasure.

Objection 2: Further, when a thing expands it is enabled to receive
more. But receiving pertains to desire, which is for something not yet
possessed. Therefore expansion seems to belong to desire rather than to
pleasure.

Objection 3: Further, contraction is contrary to expansion. But
contraction seems to belong to pleasure, for the hand closes on that
which we wish to grasp firmly: and such is the affection of appetite in
regard to that which pleases it. Therefore expansion does not pertain
to pleasure.

On the contrary, In order to express joy, it is written (Is. 60:5):
"Thou shall see and abound, thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged. "
Moreover pleasure is called by the name of "laetitia" as being derived
from "dilatatio" [expansion], as stated above ([1284]Q[31], A[3], ad
3).

I answer that, Breadth [latitudo] is a dimension of bodily magnitude:
hence it is not applied to the emotions of the soul, save
metaphorically. Now expansion denotes a kind of movement towards
breadth; and it belongs to pleasure in respect of the two things
requisite for pleasure. One of these is on the part of the apprehensive
power, which is cognizant of the conjunction with some suitable good.
As a result of this apprehension, man perceives that he has attained a
certain perfection, which is a magnitude of the spiritual order: and in
this respect man's mind is said to be magnified or expanded by
pleasure. The other requisite for pleasure is on the part of the
appetitive power, which acquiesces in the pleasurable object, and rests
therein, offering, as it were, to enfold it within itself. And thus
man's affection is expanded by pleasure, as though it surrendered
itself to hold within itself the object of its pleasure.

Reply to Objection 1: In metaphorical expressions nothing hinders one
and the same thing from being attributed to different things according
to different likenesses. And in this way expansion pertains to love by
reason of a certain spreading out, in so far as the affection of the
lover spreads out to others, so as to care, not only for his own
interests, but also for what concerns others. On the other hand
expansion pertains to pleasure, in so far as a thing becomes more ample
in itself so as to become more capacious.

Reply to Objection 2: Desire includes a certain expansion arising from
the imagination of the thing desired; but this expansion increases at
the presence of the pleasurable object: because the mind surrenders
itself more to that object when it is already taking pleasure in it,
than when it desires it before possessing it; since pleasure is the end
of desire.

Reply to Objection 3: He that takes pleasure in a thing holds it fast,
by clinging to it with all his might: but he opens his heart to it that
he may enjoy it perfectly.
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Whether pleasure causes thirst or desire for itself?

Objection 1: It would seem that pleasure does not cause desire for
itself. Because all movement ceases when repose is reached. But
pleasure is, as it were, a certain repose of the movement of desire, as
stated above ([1285]Q[23], A[4];[1286] Q[25], A[2]). Therefore the
movement of desire ceases when pleasure is reached. Therefore pleasure
does not cause desire.

Objection 2: Further, a thing does not cause its contrary. But pleasure
is, in a way, contrary to desire, on the part of the object: since
desire regards a good which is not yet possessed, whereas pleasure
regards the good that is possessed. Therefore pleasure does not cause
desire for itself.

Objection 3: Further, distaste is incompatible with desire. But
pleasure often causes distaste. Therefore it does not cause desire.

On the contrary, Our Lord said (Jn. 4:13): "Whosoever drinketh of this
water, shall thirst again": where, according to Augustine (Tract. xv in
Joan. ), water denotes pleasures of the body.

I answer that, Pleasure can be considered in two ways; first, as
existing in reality; secondly, as existing in the memory. Again thirst,
or desire, can be taken in two ways; first, properly, as denoting a
craving for something not possessed; secondly, in general, as excluding
distaste.

Considered as existing in reality, pleasure does not of itself cause
thirst or desire for itself, but only accidentally; provided we take
thirst or desire as denoting a craving for some thing not possessed:
because pleasure is an emotion of the appetite in respect of something
actually present. But it may happen that what is actually present is
not perfectly possessed: and this may be on the part of the thing
possessed, or on the part of the possessor. On the part of the thing
possessed, this happens through the thing possessed not being a
simultaneous whole; wherefore one obtains possession of it
successively, and while taking pleasure in what one has, one desires to
possess the remainder: thus if a man is pleased with the first part of
a verse, he desires to hear the second part, as Augustine says
(Confess. iv, 11). In this way nearly all bodily pleasures cause thirst
for themselves, until they are fully realized, because pleasures of
this kind arise from some movement: as is evident in pleasures of the
table. On the part of the possessor, this happens when a man possesses
a thing which is perfect in itself, yet does not possess it perfectly,
but obtains possession of it little by little. Thus in this life, a
faint perception of Divine knowledge affords us delight, and delight
sets up a thirst or desire for perfect knowledge; in which sense we may
understand the words of Ecclus. 24:29: "They that drink me shall yet
thirst.
"

On the other hand, if by thirst or desire we understand the mere
intensity of the emotion, that excludes distaste, thus more than all
others spiritual pleasures cause thirst or desire for themselves.
Because bodily pleasures become distasteful by reason of their causing
an excess in the natural mode of being, when they are increased or even
when they are protracted; as is evident in the case of pleasures of the
table. This is why, when a man arrives at the point of perfection in
bodily pleasures, he wearies of them, and sometimes desires another
kind. Spiritual pleasures, on the contrary, do not exceed the natural
mode of being, but perfect nature. Hence when their point of perfection
is reached, then do they afford the greatest delight: except,
perchance, accidentally, in so far as the work of contemplation is
accompanied by some operation of the bodily powers, which tire from
protracted activity. And in this sense also we may understand those
words of Ecclus. 24:29: "They that drink me shall yet thirst": for,
even of the angels, who know God perfectly, and delight in Him, it is
written (1 Pet. 1:12) that they "desire to look at Him. "

Lastly, if we consider pleasure, not as existing in reality, but as
existing in the memory, thus it has of itself a natural tendency to
cause thirst and desire for itself: when, to wit, man returns to that
disposition, in which he was when he experienced the pleasure that is
past. But if he be changed from that disposition, the memory of that
pleasure does not give him pleasure, but distaste: for instance, the
memory of food in respect of a man who has eaten to repletion.

Reply to Objection 1: When pleasure is perfect, then it includes
complete rest; and the movement of desire, tending to what was not
possessed, ceases. But when it is imperfect, then the desire, tending
to what was not possessed, does not cease altogether.

Reply to Objection 2: That which is possessed imperfectly, is possessed
in one respect, and in another respect is not possessed. Consequently
it may be the object of desire and pleasure at the same time.

Reply to Objection 3: Pleasures cause distaste in one way, desire in
another, as stated above.
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Whether pleasure hinders the use of reason?

Objection 1: It would seem that pleasure does not hinder the use of
reason. Because repose facilitates very much the due use of reason:
wherefore the Philosopher says (Phys. vii, 3) that "while we sit and
rest, the soul is inclined to knowledge and prudence"; and it is
written (Wis. 8:16): "When I go into my house, I shall repose myself
with her," i. e. wisdom. But pleasure is a kind of repose. Therefore it
helps rather than hinders the use of reason.

Objection 2: Further, things which are not in the same subject though
they be contraries, do not hinder one another. But pleasure is in the
appetitive faculty, while the use of reason is in the apprehensive
power. Therefore pleasure does not hinder the use of reason.

Objection 3: Further, that which is hindered by another, seems to be
moved, as it were, thereby. But the use of an apprehensive power moves
pleasure rather than is moved by it: because it is the cause of
pleasure. Therefore pleasure does not hinder the use of reason.

On the contrary, The Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 5), that "pleasure
destroys the estimate of prudence. "

I answer that, As is stated in Ethic. x, 5, "appropriate pleasures
increase activity . . . whereas pleasures arising from other sources
are impediments to activity. " Accordingly there is a certain pleasure
that is taken in the very act of reason, as when one takes pleasure in
contemplating or in reasoning: and such pleasure does not hinder the
act of reason, but helps it; because we are more attentive in doing
that which gives us pleasure, and attention fosters activity.

On the other hand bodily pleasures hinder the use of reason in three
ways. First, by distracting the reason. Because, as we have just
observed, we attend much to that which pleases us. Now when the
attention is firmly fixed on one thing, it is either weakened in
respect of other things, or it is entirely withdrawn from them; and
thus if the bodily pleasure be great, either it entirely hinders the
use of reason, by concentrating the mind's attention on itself; or else
it hinders it considerably. Secondly, by being contrary to reason.
Because some pleasures, especially those that are in excess, are
contrary to the order of reason: and in this sense the Philosopher says
that "bodily pleasures destroy the estimate of prudence, but not the
speculative estimate," to which they are not opposed, "for instance
that the three angles of a triangle are together equal to two right
angles. " In the first sense, however, they hinder both estimates.
Thirdly, by fettering the reason: in so far as bodily pleasure is
followed by a certain alteration in the body, greater even than in the
other passions, in proportion as the appetite is more vehemently
affected towards a present than towards an absent thing. Now such
bodily disturbances hinder the use of reason; as may be seen in the
case of drunkards, in whom the use of reason is fettered or hindered.

Reply to Objection 1: Bodily pleasure implies indeed repose of the
appetite in the object of pleasure; which repose is sometimes contrary
to reason; but on the part of the body it always implies alteration.
And in respect of both points, it hinders the use of reason.

Reply to Objection 2: The powers of the appetite and of apprehension
are indeed distinct parts, but belonging to the one soul. Consequently
when the soul is very intent on the action of one part, it is hindered
from attending to a contrary act of the other part.

Reply to Objection 3: The use of reason requires the due use of the
imagination and of the other sensitive powers, which are exercised
through a bodily organ. Consequently alteration in the body hinders the
use of reason, because it hinders the act of the imagination and of the
other sensitive powers.
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Whether pleasure perfects operation?

Objection 1: It would seem that pleasure does not perfect operation.
For every human operation depends on the use of reason. But pleasure
hinders the use of reason, as stated above [1287](A[3]). Therefore
pleasure does not perfect, but weakens human operation.

Objection 2: Further, nothing perfects itself or its cause. But
pleasure is an operation (Ethic. vii, 12; x, 4), i. e. either in its
essence or in its cause. Therefore pleasure does not perfect operation.

Objection 3: Further, if pleasure perfects operation, it does so either
as end, or as form, or as agent. But not as end; because operation is
not sought for the sake of pleasure, but rather the reverse, as stated
above ([1288]Q[4], A[2]): nor as agent, because rather is it the
operation that causes pleasure: nor again as form, because, according
to the Philosopher (Ethic. x, 4), "pleasure does not perfect operation,
as a habit does. " Therefore pleasure does not perfect operation.

On the contrary, The Philosopher says (Ethic. x, 4) that "pleasure
perfects operation. "

I answer that, Pleasure perfects operation in two ways. First, as an
end: not indeed according as an end is that on "account of which a
thing is"; but according as every good which is added to a thing and
completes it, can be called its end. And in this sense the Philosopher
says (Ethic. x, 4) that "pleasure perfects operation . . . as some end
added to it": that is to say, inasmuch as to this good, which is
operation, there is added another good, which is pleasure, denoting the
repose of the appetite in a good that is presupposed. Secondly, as
agent; not indeed directly, for the Philosopher says (Ethic. x, 4) that
"pleasure perfects operation, not as a physician makes a man healthy,
but as health does": but it does so indirectly; inasmuch as the agent,
through taking pleasure in his action, is more eagerly intent on it,
and carries it out with greater care. And in this sense it is said in
Ethic. x, 5 that "pleasures increase their appropriate activities, and
hinder those that are not appropriate. "

Reply to Objection 1: It is not every pleasure that hinders the act of
reason, but only bodily pleasure; for this arises, not from the act of
reason, but from the act of the concupiscible faculty, which act is
intensified by pleasure. On the contrary, pleasure that arises from the
act of reason, strengthens the use of reason.

Reply to Objection 2: As stated in Phys. ii, 3 two things may be causes
of one another, if one be the efficient, the other the final cause. And
in this way, operation is the efficient cause of pleasure, while
pleasure perfects operation by way of final cause, as stated above.

The Reply to the Third Objection is evident for what has been said.
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OF THE GOODNESS AND MALICE OF PLEASURES (FOUR ARTICLES)

We must now consider the goodness and malice of pleasures: under which
head there are four points of inquiry:

(1) Whether every pleasure is evil?

(2) If not, whether every pleasure is good?

(3) Whether any pleasure is the greatest good?

(4) Whether pleasure is the measure or rule by which to judge of moral
good and evil?
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Whether every pleasure is evil?

Objection 1: It would seem that every pleasure is evil. For that which
destroys prudence and hinders the use of reason, seems to be evil in
itself: since man's good is to be "in accord with reason," as Dionysius
says (Div. Nom. iv). But pleasure destroys prudence and hinders the use
of reason; and so much the more, as the pleasure is greater: wherefore
"in sexual pleasures," which are the greatest of all, "it is impossible
to understand anything," as stated in Ethic. vii, 11. Moreover, Jerome
says in his commentary on Matthew [*Origen, Hom. vi in Num. ] that "at
the time of conjugal intercourse, the presence of the Holy Ghost is not
vouchsafed, even if it be a prophet that fulfils the conjugal duty. "
Therefore pleasure is evil in itself; and consequently every pleasure
is evil.

Objection 2: Further, that which the virtuous man shuns, and the man
lacking in virtue seeks, seems to be evil in itself, and should be
avoided; because, as stated in Ethic. x, 5 "the virtuous man is a kind
of measure and rule of human actions"; and the Apostle says (1 Cor.
2:15): "The spiritual man judgeth all things. " But children and dumb
animals, in whom there is no virtue, seek pleasure: whereas the man who
is master of himself does not. Therefore pleasures are evil in
themselves and should be avoided.

Objection 3: Further, "virtue and art are concerned about the difficult
and the good" (Ethic. ii, 3). But no art is ordained to pleasure.
Therefore pleasure is not something good.

On the contrary, It is written (Ps. 36:4): "Delight in the Lord. "
Since, therefore, Divine authority leads to no evil, it seems that not
every pleasure is evil.

I answer that, As stated in Ethic. x, 2,[3] some have maintained that
all pleasure is evil. The reason seems to have been that they took
account only of sensible and bodily pleasures which are more manifest;
since, also in other respects, the ancient philosophers did not
discriminate between the intelligible and the sensible, nor between
intellect and sense (De Anima iii, 3). And they held that all bodily
pleasures should be reckoned as bad, and thus that man, being prone to
immoderate pleasures, arrives at the mean of virtue by abstaining from
pleasure. But they were wrong in holding this opinion. Because, since
none can live without some sensible and bodily pleasure, if they who
teach that all pleasures are evil, are found in the act of taking
pleasure; men will be more inclined to pleasure by following the
example of their works instead of listening to the doctrine of their
words: since, in human actions and passions, wherein experience is of
great weight, example moves more than words.

We must therefore say that some pleasures are good, and that some are
evil. For pleasure is a repose of the appetitive power in some loved
good, and resulting from some operation; wherefore we assign a twofold
reason for this assertion. The first is in respect of the good in which
a man reposes with pleasure. For good and evil in the moral order
depend on agreement or disagreement with reason, as stated above
([1289]Q[18], A[5]): just as in the order of nature, a thing is said to
be natural, if it agrees with nature, and unnatural, if it disagrees.
Accordingly, just as in the natural order there is a certain natural
repose, whereby a thing rests in that which agrees with its nature, for
instance, when a heavy body rests down below; and again an unnatural
repose, whereby a thing rests in that which disagrees with its nature,
as when a heavy body rests up aloft: so, in the moral order, there is a
good pleasure, whereby the higher or lower appetite rests in that which
is in accord with reason; and an evil pleasure, whereby the appetite
rests in that which is discordant from reason and the law of God.

The second reason can be found by considering the actions, some of
which are good, some evil. Now pleasures which are conjoined to actions
are more akin to those actions, than desires, which precede them in
point of time. Wherefore, since the desires of good actions are good,
and of evil actions, evil; much more are the pleasures of good actions
good, and those of evil actions evil.

Reply to Objection 1: As stated above (Q[33], A[3]), it is not the
pleasures which result from an act of reason, that hinder the reason or
destroy prudence, but extraneous pleasures, such as the pleasures of
the body. These indeed hinder the use of reason, as stated above
(Q[33], A[3]), either by contrariety of the appetite that rests in
something repugnant to reason, which makes the pleasure morally bad; or
by fettering the reason: thus in conjugal intercourse, though the
pleasure be in accord with reason, yet it hinders the use of reason, on
account of the accompanying bodily change. But in this case the
pleasure is not morally evil; as neither is sleep, whereby the reason
is fettered, morally evil, if it be taken according to reason: for
reason itself demands that the use of reason be interrupted at times.
We must add, however, that although this fettering of the reason
through the pleasure of conjugal intercourse has no moral malice, since
it is neither a mortal nor a venial sin; yet it proceeds from a kind of
moral malice, namely, from the sin of our first parent; because, as
stated in the [1290]FP, Q[98], A[2] the case was different in the state
of innocence.

Reply to Objection 2: The temperate man does not shun all pleasures,
but those that are immoderate, and contrary to reason. The fact that
children and dumb animals seek pleasures, does not prove that all
pleasures are evil: because they have from God their natural appetite,
which is moved to that which is naturally suitable to them.

Reply to Objection 3: Art is not concerned with all kinds of good, but
with the making of external things, as we shall state further on
([1291]Q[57], A[3]). But actions and passions, which are within us, are
more the concern of prudence and virtue than of art. Nevertheless there
is an art of making pleasure, namely, "the art of cookery and the art
of making arguments," as stated in Ethic. vii, 12.
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Whether every pleasure is good?

Objection 1: It would seem that every pleasure is good. Because as
stated in the [1292]FP, Q[5], A[6] there are three kinds of good: the
virtuous, the useful, and the pleasant. But everything virtuous is
good; and in like manner everything useful is good. Therefore also
every pleasure is good.

Objection 2: Further, that which is not sought for the sake of
something else, is good in itself, as stated in Ethic. i, 6,7. But
pleasure is not sought for the sake of something else; for it seems
absurd to ask anyone why he seeks to be pleased. Therefore pleasure is
good in itself. Now that which is predicated to a thing considered in
itself, is predicated thereof universally. Therefore every pleasure is
good.

Objection 3: Further, that which is desired by all, seems to be good of
itself: because good is "what all things seek," as stated in Ethic. i,
1. But everyone seeks some kind of pleasure, even children and dumb
animals. Therefore pleasure is good in itself: and consequently all
pleasure is good.

On the contrary, It is written (Prov. 2:14): "Who are glad when they
have done evil, and rejoice in most wicked things. "

I answer that, While some of the Stoics maintained that all pleasures
are evil, the Epicureans held that pleasure is good in itself, and that
consequently all pleasures are good. They seem to have thus erred
through not discriminating between that which is good simply, and that
which is good in respect of a particular individual. That which is good
simply, is good in itself. Now that which is not good in itself, may be
good in respect of some individual in two ways. In one way, because it
is suitable to him by reason of a disposition in which he is now, which
disposition, however, is not natural: thus it is sometimes good for a
leper to eat things that are poisonous, which are not suitable simply
to the human temperament. In another way, through something unsuitable
being esteemed suitable. And since pleasure is the repose of the
appetite in some good, if the appetite reposes in that which is good
simply, the pleasure will be pleasure simply, and good simply. But if a
man's appetite repose in that which is good, not simply, but in respect
of that particular man, then his pleasure will not be pleasure simply,
but a pleasure to him; neither will it be good simply, but in a certain
respect, or an apparent good.

Reply to Objection 1: The virtuous and the useful depend on accordance
with reason, and consequently nothing is virtuous or useful, without
being good. But the pleasant depends on agreement with the appetite,
which tends sometimes to that which is discordant from reason.
Consequently not every object of pleasure is good in the moral order
which depends on the order of reason.

Reply to Objection 2: The reason why pleasure is not sought for the
sake of something else is because it is repose in the end. Now the end
may be either good or evil; although nothing can be an end except in so
far as it is good in respect of such and such a man: and so too with
regard to pleasure.

Reply to Objection 3: All things seek pleasure in the same way as they
seek good: since pleasure is the repose of the appetite in good. But,
just as it happens that not every good which is desired, is of itself
and verily good; so not every pleasure is of itself and verily good.
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Whether any pleasure is the greatest good?

Objection 1: It would seem that no pleasure is the greatest good.
Because nothing generated is the greatest good: since generation cannot
be the last end. But pleasure is a consequence of generation: for the
fact that a thing takes pleasure is due to its being established in its
own nature, as stated above ([1293]Q[31], A[1]). Therefore no pleasure
is the greatest good.

Objection 2: Further, that which is the greatest good cannot be made
better by addition. But pleasure is made better by addition; since
pleasure together with virtue is better than pleasure without virtue.
Therefore pleasure is not the greatest good.

Objection 3: Further, that which is the greatest good is universally
good, as being good of itself: since that which is such of itself is
prior to and greater than that which is such accidentally. But pleasure
is not universally good, as stated above [1294](A[2]). Therefore
pleasure is not the greatest good.

On the contrary, Happiness is the greatest good: since it is the end of
man's life. But Happiness is not without pleasure: for it is written
(Ps. 15:11): "Thou shalt fill me with joy with Thy countenance; at Thy
right hand are delights even to the end. "

I answer that, Plato held neither with the Stoics, who asserted that
all pleasures are evil, nor with the Epicureans, who maintained that
all pleasures are good; but he said that some are good, and some evil;
yet, so that no pleasure be the sovereign or greatest good. But,
judging from his arguments, he fails in two points. First, because,
from observing that sensible and bodily pleasure consists in a certain
movement and "becoming," as is evident in satiety from eating and the
like; he concluded that all pleasure arises from some "becoming" and
movement: and from this, since "becoming" and movement are the acts of
something imperfect, it would follow that pleasure is not of the nature
of ultimate perfection. But this is seen to be evidently false as
regards intellectual pleasures: because one takes pleasure, not only in
the "becoming" of knowledge, for instance, when one learns or wonders,
as stated above ([1295]Q[32], A[8], ad 2); but also in the act of
contemplation, by making use of knowledge already acquired.

Secondly, because by greatest good he understood that which is the
supreme good simply, i. e. the good as existing apart from, and
unparticipated by, all else, in which sense God is the Supreme Good;
whereas we are speaking of the greatest good in human things. Now the
greatest good of everything is its last end. And the end, as stated
above ([1296]Q[1], A[8];[1297] Q[2], A[7]) is twofold; namely, the
thing itself, and the use of that thing; thus the miser's end is either
money or the possession of money. Accordingly, man's last end may be
said to be either God Who is the Supreme Good simply; or the enjoyment
of God, which implies a certain pleasure in the last end. And in this
sense a certain pleasure of man may be said to be the greatest among
human goods.

Reply to Objection 1: Not every pleasure arises from a "becoming"; for
some pleasures result from perfect operations, as stated above.
Accordingly nothing prevents some pleasure being the greatest good,
although every pleasure is not such.

Reply to Objection 2: This argument is true of the greatest good
simply, by participation of which all things are good; wherefore no
addition can make it better: whereas in regard to other goods, it is
universally true that any good becomes better by the addition of
another good. Moreover it might be said that pleasure is not something
extraneous to the operation of virtue, but that it accompanies it, as
stated in Ethic. i, 8.

Reply to Objection 3: That pleasure is the greatest good is due not to
the mere fact that it is pleasure, but to the fact that it is perfect
repose in the perfect good.