Man, in spite of his fatal degradation, bears always the evident marks of his divine origin, in that every universal belief is always more or less true.
Joseph De MaistreRead
There is no man who desires as passionately as a Russian. If we could imprison a Russian desire beneath a fortress, that fortress would explode.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the intense desires of Russians, suggesting they are unparalleled in their passion.
Joseph De Maistre illustrates the depth and intensity of human desire, particularly among Russians, by suggesting that it is so fierce that even if constrained, it would inevitably break free with explosive force. This metaphor highlights the universal struggle between desire and restraint, suggesting that such powerful passions are inherently uncontrollable.
Themes
DesirePassionIntensityRussianEmotionsHuman Nature
In practice
Example use cases
In a psychology lecture discussing the nature of desire and its implications on human behavior.
More from Joseph De Maistre
All quotes βMan is insatiable for power; he is infantile in his desires and, always discontented with what he has, loves only what he has not. People complain of the despotism of princes; they ought to complain of the despotism of man.
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A constitution that is made for all nations is made for none.
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False opinions are like false money, struck first of all by guilty men and thereafter circulated by honest people who perpetuate the crime without knowing what they are doing.
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Reason speaks in words alone, but love has a song.
Joseph De MaistreRead
Man in harmony with his Creator is sublime, and his action is creative; equally, once he separates himself from God and acts alone, he does not cease to be powerful, since this is the privilege of his nature, but his acts are negative and lead only to destruction.
Joseph De MaistreRead
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