Preface to the favorable reader.

Because there is no more excellent nature in the world than man, the wise, the learned, and the sensible people of the world have always been highly astonished that he is laden, and as it were overwhelmed, with so much misfortune, adversity, and misery. For there are many diseases that attack him; many errors occur in daily plans, undertakings, and actions, even among the highly wise and discerning people. Many vices and depravities beguile and overcome man; and it happens for a trifle that one who considers himself quite wise falls grievously. Many quarrels and disputes, wars, destruction of cities and lands, eradication of peoples, plagues, times of famine, earthquakes, and damage by water and fire occur during a man's life, all of which contribute to the human lack of fortune, misery, and lamentation. And finally, death comes and plays the finisher.

Among these misfortunes and adversities, some are indeed Automata spontaneous events, that is, those which are neither caused by man nor can be prevented by him. But some, and indeed as Menander ancient Greek playwright testifies, the greatest part, are Voluntaria voluntary acts, that is, those which arise from the error of the human heart and mind, or from the perverse will of man, who will not follow the correct