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I would then lead man to the desire of finding truth; to be free from
passions, and ready to follow it where he may find it, knowing how much his
knowledge is obscured by the passions. I would, indeed, that he should hate
in himself the lust which determined his will by itself so that it may not
blind him in making his choice, and may not hinder him when he has chosen.
424. All these contradictions, which seem most to keep me from the knowledge
of religion, have led me most quickly to the true one.
SECTION VII: MORALITY AND DOCTRINE
425. Second part.--That man without faith cannot know the true good, nor
justice.
All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means
they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and
of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different
views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the
motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.
And yet, after such a great number of years, no one without faith has
reached the point to which all continually look. All complain, princes and
subjects, noblemen and commoners, old and young, strong and weak,
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