The same applies to everything else, such as the streaming of fire toward the heights, returning to its uppermost element, and the streaming of air, returning to its own element.

If these things, which possess neither intellect nor discernment, are moved only by a motion of yearning and nature—through which each one moves toward its point of nobility, glory, and strength, refusing exile and distance from its homeland and proper place— Then what is the matter with you, O soul, while you are the possessor of intellect and discernment? You refuse to return to your homeland and your element, which is your nobility and your glory; you loathe that return and love the distance from your origin and source, choosing to dwell in a foreign land and endure humiliation and degradation. I wonder, do you choose this by nature or by intellect?

If it be by nature, then equal nature in its natural actions and its constant return to its elements. But if this choice of yours is by intellect and discernment, then how can it be permissible for a discerning, rational being to choose exile over the homeland, the place of baseness over the place of nobility, and the endurance of humiliation and degradation over rest, glory, and dignity?

Whoever falls into this rank, it has become clear that he is counted neither among the rank of natural beings nor the rank of intellectual beings; rather, he ought to be banished from them both.