It is otherwise with ordinary people: for them leisure has no value in
itself, nor is it, indeed, without its dangers, as these people
seem to know. The technical work of our time, which is done to an
unprecedented perfection, has, by increasing and multiplying objects
of luxury, given the favorites of fortune a choice between more
leisure and culture upon the one side, and additional luxury and good
living, but with increased activity, upon the other; and, true to
their character, they choose the latter, and prefer champagne to
freedom. And they are consistent in their choice; for, to them, every
exertion of the mind which does not serve the aims of the will is
folly. Intellectual effort for its own sake, they call eccentricity.
Therefore, persistence in the aims of the will and the belly will be
concentricity; and, to be sure, the will is the centre, the kernel of
the world.
But in general it is very seldom that any such alternative is
presented. For as with money, most men have no superfluity, but only
just enough for their needs, so with intelligence; they possess just
what will suffice for the service of the will, that is, for the
carrying on of their business. Having made their fortune, they are
content to gape or to indulge in sensual pleasures or childish
amusements, cards or dice; or they will talk in the dullest way, or
dress up and make obeisance to one another.
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