Our appetites, of one or another kind, are excellent spurs…
“Our appetites, of one or another kind, are excellent spurs to our reason, which might otherwise but feebly set about the great ends of preserving and continuing the species.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Desires stimulate reasoning, preventing stagnation and encouraging species survival.
In simple terms: Desires push our minds to think and act.
Key Takeaway
Use healthy desires to motivate thoughtful action.
Themes
desire
reason
survival
motivation
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- career ambition
- family planning
- social activism
- innovation
Key Concepts
human nature
evolutionary psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do desires shape your decisions?
- What limits should guide your ambitions?
A Different Perspective
Uncontrolled appetites can lead to excess or harm.