To tempt, and to be tempted, are things very nearly…
“To tempt, and to be tempted, are things very nearly allied, and, in spite of the finest maxims of morality impressed upon the mind, whenever feeling has anything to do in the matter, no sooner is it excited than we have already gone vastly farther than we are aware of, and I have yet to learn how it is possible to prevent its being excited.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Temptation and being tempted are closely linked; once feeling arises, it quickly surpasses conscious control, making prevention difficult.
In simple terms: Temptation spreads quickly once feeling starts.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate awareness to catch feelings early.
Themes
psychology
ethics
human behavior
self‑control
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Personal relationships
- marketing
- addiction recovery
- decision making
Key Concepts
Impulse dynamics
emotional triggers
moral reasoning
Questions to Reflect On
- What strategies help you notice rising impulses?
- Can rational thought delay emotional escalation?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify moral agency by attributing actions solely to feeling.