timelets

PROP. III. An emotion, which is a passion, ceases to be a passion, as soon as we form a clear and distinct idea thereof.

Proof.—

An emotion, 
          which is a passion, 
                      is a confused idea 

(by the general Def. of the Emotions). 

If, therefore, 
             we form a clear 
                     and distinct idea 
                             of a given emotion, 
that idea 
         will only be distinguished 
                                from the emotion, 
in so far as 
          it is referred 
                       to the mind only, 
                                       by reason 
(II. xxi., and note); 

therefore (III. iii.), 
                   the emotion will cease to be 
                                           a passion. Q.E.D.

Corollary—

An emotion therefore becomes 
more under our control, 
and the mind 
is less passive 
in respect to it, 
in proportion 
as it is more 
known to us.

--- Spinoza, The Ethics, Part V, Prop III.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/3800/3800-h/3800-h.htm#chap05