36. Because the removal of uneasiness is the first step to happiness.
If we inquire into the reason of what
experience makes so evident in fact, and examine, why it is uneasiness alone operates on the will, and determines
it in its choice, we shall find that, we being capable but of one determination of the will to one action at once, the
present uneasiness that we are under does naturally determine the will, in order to that happiness which we all aim
at in all our actions. For, as much as whilst we are under any uneasiness, we cannot apprehend ourselves happy, or
in the way to it; pain and uneasiness being, by every one, concluded and felt to be inconsistent with happiness,
spoiling the relish even of those good things which we have: a little pain serving to mar all the pleasure we
rejoiced in. And, therefore, that which of course determines the choice of our will to the next action will always
be--the removing of pain, as long as we have any left, as the first and necessary step towards happiness.
