2908. Human beings strive to gain the whole world and the universe, only so that they may be clothed, may eat, have a dwelling, and keep warm
It was said in the presence of spirits that these are the four things for which mankind desires to conquer and possess the whole world, which was also portrayed by a spiritual mental image. For when one has these things in the world, what more should one strive for? It was added that love of self or ambition also regards one's standing in worldly society, the demands of which are likewise responded to. 1748, 24 Aug.
2908. (THAT MAN SEEKS AFTER THE UNIVERSAL WORLD AND THE UNIVERSE, ONLY THAT HE MAY BE CLOTHED, HAVE TO EAT, POSSESS HABITATION, AND BE KEPT WARM.
It was said in the presence of spirits, that these are the four things for which man desires to subjugate and possess the universal world; it was also represented in spiritual idea for when he has these things in the world, what more need a man seek. It was said that self-love or ambition also respects societies and eminence in the world, which also is gratified [responsum est]. - 1748, August 24.)
2908. Quod homo universum mundum et universum ambiat solum ut vestiatur, edat, habitet, et calefiat
Coram spiritibus dictum, quod haec quatuor sint, propter quae homo universum mundum subjugare, et possidere cupiat, quod etiam idea spirituali repraesentatum; nam cum haec habeat in mundo, quid ultra debet homo ambire? dictum 1
quod amor sui seu ambitio etiam spectet societates et eminentiam in mundo, cui quoque responsum est. 1748, 24 Aug.
Footnotes:
1. The Manuscript has ambire; dictum