The Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius - College of Stoic Philosophers

278 LvELIUS; OR,
but from that pure disinterested complacency which
results from the mere exercise of the affection itself.
That sect of philosophers who impute
all human actions
to the same motive which determines those of brutes,
and refer both to one common principle of self-gratification,
will be very far, I am sensible, from agreeing with me in
the origin I have ascribed to friendship. And no wonder,
for nothing great and elevated can win the esteem and
approbation of a set of men whose whole thoughts and pur
suits are professedly directed to so base and ignoble an end.
I shall take no further notice, therefore, of their un
worthy tenets, well convinced as I am that there is an
implanted sense in man, by which nature allures his
heart to the charms of virtue, in whomsoever her lovely
form appears. And hence it is, that they who find in
themselves a predilection for some particular object of
moral approbation are induced to desire a nearer and more
intimate communion with that person, in order to enjoy
those pure and mental advantages which flow from an
habitual and familiar intercourse with the good,
I will
add, too, in order to feel the refined satisfaction of in
spiring equal and reciprocal sentiments of affection,
together with the generous pleasure of conferring acts of
kindness without the least view of a return. A friendship
placed upon this, its proper and natural basis, is not only
productive of the most solid utility, but stands at the
same time upon a firmer and more durable foundation
than if it were raised upon a sense of human wants and
weakness. For if interest were the true and only medium
to cement this connexion, it could hold no longer than
while interest, which is
always fluctuating and variable,
should continue to be advanced by the same hand ;
whereas genuine friendship, being produced by the simple
efficiency of nature s steady and immutable laws, resembles
the source from whence it springs, and is for ever per
manent and unchangeable.