57 



17C. Desire of intellectual exercise, that is study.— This de- 

 sire is nearly allied to the last, and is often necessary to its 

 attainment : it differs from it in this, that in the acquisition 

 of knowledge, the min-d is frequently passive, or at most, 

 barely bestows attention ; whereas in study, profound reflec- 

 tion, vigorous exertion, and extensive researches are indis- 

 pensable. Yet they are all attended with supreme delight. 



177. Desire 'of amuse?nent. — In civilized societies we may 

 distinguish three classes; one daily engaged in corporeal ex- 

 ertions; another in toilsome professional pursuits, and a 

 third attached to no particular occupation or object of pur- 

 suit, and therefore idle. To the first mere rest affords much 

 pleasure; yet even to them the amusements of dancing, 

 singing and shews are far from indifierent, and in some 

 countries are eagerly sought. To the second class, amuse- 

 ments, if not absolutely necessary, are at least highly agree- 

 able. But to the third they are indispensably necessary to 

 save them from the misery of ennui, that languor in which 

 the soul seems oppressed by its own weight, and anxiously 

 requires some new and powerful perceptions. 



178. In mere amusements the mind is purely passive, 

 though from long continued attention, fatigue is at last felt. 



179. The more refined amusements are derived from chaste 

 and polished theatrical representations, music and select en- 



*'"^- ^^' I tertaining 



