Slow but steady wins the race.
AesopRead
It is with our Passions, as it is with Fire and Water, they are 'Good Servants,' but 'Bad Masters.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our passions can be beneficial when controlled, but they can lead to negative outcomes when they control us.
This quote by Aesop highlights the dual nature of our passions, comparing them to fire and water. When harnessed correctly, passions can be powerful and beneficial tools that serve us well, just as fire can provide warmth and water can sustain life. However, when they dominate our lives and dictate our actions without restraint, they can become destructive, similar to how uncontrolled fire can cause devastation and excess water can lead to flooding. This serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and self-control in relation to our desires and motivations.
Themes
PassionControlBalanceFireWater
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about the importance of emotional control in leadership.
More from Aesop
All quotes βWe often despise what is most useful to us.
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The haft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagle's own Lures. We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction.
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We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
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If you are a friend, why do you bite me so hard? If an enemy, why do you fawn on me?
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The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.
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