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Then to say that man did once subsist without fire
is a mistake, it being impossible that man should be without it. But we must acknowledge there are differences in
this kind, as well as in other things. Thus heat has rendered the sea more beneficial, as having a greater portion
of heat in it than other waters, from which it otherwise
differs not at all. And as for those that have no need of
outward fire, they do not avoid it because they db not want
it, but because they abound in heat within themselves. So
that the use of fire seems to be more excellent in this, that
water is never in such a condition as not to want external
aids, but fire, endued with manifold virtues, contents itself
with its own sufficiency. Therefore, as he is the best
commander who so manages the affairs of his city as not
to have any need of foreign assistance, so that element
excels that supplies us in such a manner as to want the
least of other helps from without. And this is to be said
of other creatures that have no need of external heat.
Now, to argue on the other side, a man may say thus,
that whatever we singly and alone make use of is more
profitable, since we are by our reason best fitted to choose
what is best. For what is more useful and beneficial to us
[p. 337]
than reason? ... And yet brute animals want fire. What
then? Is it the less profitable, because found out by foresight of a higher power?
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