Ethical Handbook

To the Reader.

...and through contemplation, the human Soul may be set ablaze with the love of Virtue original: Virtutis; in this classical context, it refers to moral excellence and the strength of character required to live rightly., that it might ceaselessly yearn for Virtue, eventually grasp Virtue, and along with Virtue itself, find true and lasting Happiness original: Felicitatem; referring to a state of human flourishing and fulfillment rather than a passing emotion..

From this source, then—the point just mentioned—the entire rationale for this writing must be derived. By "rationale," I do not mean a specific Method The author is distinguishing between the formal structure of the argument and the underlying spirit or "genius" of the book., whether Synthetic original: Syntheticam; a method of reasoning that builds from simple parts to a complex whole. or Analytic original: Analythicam; a method that breaks down a complex subject into its component parts., but rather the very form and character of the entire work. I hope it is so prepared that it may reach the stated goal more successfully and surely than most other writings of this kind. Nevertheless, as far as that "Method" properly so-called is concerned, I have by no means neglected it, even if I did not think I should bind myself too severely or restrictively in that matter. Always, however, as far as I recall, that which is clearer precedes, and that which is more obscure follows. This single principle encompasses the essence of nearly every pedagogical method.

As for why I have not scraped together and piled up every detail that might seem necessary for a complete System of Ethics, I have deferred to Prudence original: Prudentiæ; practical wisdom or the ability to judge the best course of action.. I hoped that by this concise approach, I might reach my goal more swiftly than if I had [cluttered the work] with these most effective and most necessary...