Page:An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals - Hume (1751).djvu/224

 the Sentiments and Affections of Mankind, without any Dependance on the intellectual Faculties. Ask a Man, why he uses Exercise; he will answer, because he desires to keep his Health. If you then enquire, why he desires Health, he will readily reply, because Sickness is painful. If you push your Enquiries farther, and desire a Reason, why he hates Pain, 'tis impossible he can ever give any. This is an ultimate End, and is never refer'd to any other Object.

, to your second Question, why he desires Health, he may also reply, that 'tis requisite for the Exercise of his Calling. If you ask, why he is anxious on that head, he will answer, because he desires to get Money. If you demand, ''Why? It is the Instrument of Pleasure'', says he. And beyond this, 'tis an Absurdity to ask for a Reason. 'Tis impossible there can be a Progress in infinitum; and that one Thing can always be the Reason, why another is desir'd. Something must be desirable on its own Account, and because of its immediate Accord or Agreement with human Sentiment and Affection.

as Virtue is an End, and is desirable on its own Account, without Fee or Reward, merely for the immediate Satisfaction it conveys; 'tis requisite there should be some Sentiment, which it touches; some internal Taste or Feeling, or whatever you