Felicity of life, as before, he pronounces to be a continual progress of desire, there being no _finis ultimus_ nor _summum bonum_.

The aim of all men is, therefore, not only to enjoy once and for an instant, but to assure for over the way of future desire.

Men differ in their way of doing so, from diversity of passion and their different degrees of knowledge.

One thing he notes as common to all, a restless and perpetual desire of power after power, because the present power of living well depends on the acquisition of more.
Competition inclines to contention and war.

The desire of ease, on the other hand, and fear of death or wounds, dispose to civil obedience.