Section

Among the matters that merit diligent concern—in knowledge, understanding, intention, and resolve—is the recognition that every human being, indeed every living creature, strives only for what will secure for him pleasure, bliss, and a pleasant life, and will ward off from him whatever contradicts that. This legitimate pursuit comprises six elements:

1. Knowing what is beneficial to the servant, suited to him, and whose attainment brings him delight, joy, happiness, and a wholesome life.
2. Knowing the path that leads to that benefit.
3. Traversing that path.
4. Knowing the harmful factor: the injurious, repulsive thing that ruins his life.
5. Knowing the path which, if trodden, leads to that harm.
6. Avoiding that path.

These are six elements; the servant’s delight, happiness, joy, and sound condition cannot be complete unless all six are perfected. Whatever of them is lacking (1) rebounds upon him with ill-being and (2) the spoiling of his life.

Every rational person seeks these things, yet most people err in attaining this beloved and beneficial goal (3), either by failing to