The Ruin of Sense
The cause of ruin in the minds of men is, usually, sense. This sense is very strong, in youth, the vigor of flesh and blood, in the period, gives as much strength, as it takes from reason, easily leading the soul to appetite. Finding itself deep in an earthly prison, denied spiritual contemplation in governing the body, the soul has difficulty perceiving the truth. It turns to the senses, believes them and bows down before them. It lets itself be guided by them, especially when they have so much vigor, they, almost, force it. Being in error they are filled with false opinion.
So often, young men are wrapped up in sensual love, an outright rebel to reason. They make themselves unworthy to enjoy the graces and benefits that love bestows on true subjects. They don't feel the pleasures other than what animals feel, their distress far more grievous.
The contrary happens to the more mature. The soul is less oppressed by the weight of the body, natural heat stabilizes. Smitten by beauty, there desire attends. They are not duped, but, come into a perfect possesion of beauty. The good comes from the possesion, beauty is good. True love of beauty is most good and holy, always working a good affect of those who check the perversity of sense with the bridle of reason, the mature can accomplish easier than the young.
The Book of the Courtier
Baldesar Catiglione
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