Whether operation is the proper cause of pleasure?

❌ Objection 1 : It would seem that operation is not the proper and first cause of pleasure. For, as the Philosopher says (Rhet. i, 11), "pleasure consists in a perception of the senses," since knowledge is requisite for pleasure, as stated above (Question [31], Article [1]). But the objects of operations are knowable before the operations themselves. Therefore operation is not the proper cause of pleasure.

❌ Objection 2 : Further, pleasure consists especially in an end gained: since it is this that is chiefly desired. But the end is not always an operation, but is sometimes the effect of the operation. Therefore operation is not the proper and direct cause of pleasure.

❌ Objection 3 : Further, leisure and rest consist in cessation from work: and they are objects of pleasure (Rhet. i, 11). Therefore operation is not the proper cause of pleasure.