He would think that lust shows greatness of mind: the lustful man swims across dangerous waters, castrates groups of young men, and puts himself within reach of angry husbands' swords with complete contempt for death. He would think ambition shows greatness of mind too: the ambitious man won't settle for holding office once a year. If he could, he would fill the entire calendar with his own name and cover the whole world with his titles. It doesn't matter how high or far these passions go. They are narrow, pitiful, and low. Only virtue is truly lofty and sublime. Nothing is truly great unless it is also peaceful.
He would think that lust shows greatness of mind: for the lustful man swims across straits, castrates troops of boys, and puts himself within reach of the swords of injured husbands with complete scorn of death. Ambition, too, he would think shows greatness of mind: for the ambitious man is not content with office once a year, but, if possible, would fill the calendar of dignities with his name alone, and cover the whole world with his titles. It matters nothing to what heights or lengths these passions may proceed: they are narrow, pitiable, grovelling. Virtue alone is lofty and sublime, nor is anything great which is not at the same time tranquil.