xvii.) the body is affected by the image of the thing, in the same way as if the thing were actually present.

However, as it generally happens that those, who have had many experiences, vacillate, so long as they regard a thing as future or past, and are usually in doubt about its issue (II.xliv.

note); it follows that the emotions which arise from similar images of things are not so constant, but are generally disturbed by the images of other things, until men become assured of the issue.
Note II .-- From what has just been said, we understand what is meant by the terms Hope, Fear, Confidence, Despair, Joy, and Disappointment.[5] Hope is nothing else but an inconstant pleasure, arising from the image of something future or past, whereof we do not yet know the issue.

Fear, on the other hand, is an inconstant pain also arising from the image of something concerning which we are in doubt.

If the element of doubt be removed from these emotions, hope becomes Confidence and fear becomes Despair.