Philosophers conceive of the passions which harass us as…
“Philosophers conceive of the passions which harass us as vices into which men fall by their own fault, and, therefore, generally deride, bewail, or blame them, or execrate them, if they wish to seem unusually pious.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Spinoza critiques how people label strong emotions as vices, suggesting moral judgment often stems from self‑righteousness rather than genuine concern.
In simple terms: People call intense emotions sins to seem moral.
Key Takeaway
Recognize emotions without moralizing.
Themes
morality
emotions
self‑righteousness
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
ethical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- moral discourse
- psychology
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
virtue
human nature
ethical judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we label emotions as vices?
- How does self‑righteousness affect empathy?
A Different Perspective
Moral condemnation can suppress healthy emotional expression.