QuoteProject
He only employs his passion who can make no use of his reason.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

True passion should be guided by reason; without reason, passion can lead to unwise actions.

This quote by Cicero underscores the importance of balancing passion with rational thought. It suggests that while passion fuels ambition and creativity, it should not dominate our decisions entirely, as acting solely on passion without the temperance of reason can lead to poor judgment and outcomes. Therefore, the most effective use of passion is when it operates in harmony with reason, allowing one to pursue goals intelligently and thoughtfully.

Themes

PassionReasonWisdomBalanceDecision Making

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used during a motivational talk about finding the right balance in pursuing goals.

More from Marcus Tullius Cicero

Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Those wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defence can actually be just.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Advice in old age is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey's end.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead

Similar quotes

Like every beginner, I have thought you could beat, pummel and thrash an idea into existence. Under such treatment, of course, any decent idea folds up its paws, turns on its back, fixes its eyes on eternity, and dies.
Ray BradburyRead
Power is not happiness. Security and peace are more to be desired than a name at which nations tremble.
William GodwinRead
Everyone ought to bear patiently the results of his own conduct.
PhaedrusRead
No amount of anxiety makes any difference to anything that is going to happen.
Alan WattsRead
So as grave and learned men may doubt, without any imputation to them; for the most learned doubteth most, and the more ignorant for the most part are the more bold and peremptory.
Edward CokeRead
And the quality of good judgement is clearly a form of knowledge and skill, as it is because of knowledge and not because of ignorance that we judge well.
PlatoRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.