by the resemblance
of things, the originals of which we do not admire!

135. The struggle alone pleases us, not the victory. We love to see animals
fighting, not the victor infuriated over the vanquished. We would only see
the victorious end; and, as soon as it comes, we are satiated. It is the
same in play, and the same in the search for truth. In disputes we like to
see the clash of opinions, but not at all to contemplate truth when found.
To observe it with pleasure, we have to see it emerge out of strife. So in
the passions, there is pleasure in seeing the collision of two contraries;
but when one acquires the mastery, it becomes only brutality. We never seek
things for themselves, but for the search. Likewise in plays, scenes which
do not rouse the emotion of fear are worthless, so are extreme and hopeless
misery, brutal lust, and extreme cruelty.

136. A mere trifle consoles us, for a mere trifle distresses us.

137. Without examining every particular pursuit, it is enough to comprehend
them under diversion.

138. Men naturally slaters and of all callings, save in their own rooms.