1914 translation by H. Rackham
Conversely, we condemn with righteous indignation those who are so misled and demoralized by the allure of immediate pleasure. Blinded by their desires, they fail to foresee the inevitable pain and trouble that will follow. Equally blameworthy are those who neglect their duties due to a lack of willpower, effectively avoiding toil and pain.
These situations are straightforward and easy to distinguish. During a free moment, when our power of choice is unrestrained and nothing hinders us from doing what we prefer, every pleasure should be embraced, and every pain avoided.
However, under certain circumstances and due to obligations or business constraints, it often happens that pleasures must be rejected and annoyances accepted. Therefore, a wise person adheres to the principle of selection in such matters, rejecting certain pleasures to achieve greater ones or enduring pain to avoid worse suffering.