[4]
That which is not compulsory is also
pleasant, for compulsion is contrary to nature. That is why what is necessary is
painful, and it was rightly said, “
For every act of necessity is disagreeable.1
” Application, study, and intense effort are also painful, for these
involve necessity and compulsion, if they have not become habitual; for then
habit makes them pleasant. Things contrary to these are pleasant; wherefore
states of ease, idleness, carelessness, amusement, recreation,2 and sleep are among pleasant things,
because none of these is in any way compulsory.
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Aristotle in 23 Volumes, Vol. 22, translated by J. H. Freese. Aristotle. Cambridge and London. Harvard University Press; William Heinemann Ltd. 1926.
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