A man who gives way to his passions is like a man who is…
“A man who gives way to his passions is like a man who is shot by an enemy, catches the arrow in his hands, and then plunges it into his own heart. A man who is resisting his passions is like a man who is shot by an enemy, and although the arrow hits him, it does not seriously wound him because he is wearing a breastplate. But the man who is uprooting his passions is like a man who is shot by an enemy, but who strikes the arrow and shatters it or turns it back into his enemies heart.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Yielding to passion leads to self‑destruction; resisting it leaves one vulnerable; mastering it turns destructive forces inward against their source.
In simple terms: Giving in harms you; resisting leaves wounds; mastering redirects harm.
Key Takeaway
Learn to master passions, not be ruled by them.
Themes
self‑control
conflict
inner strength
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- career decisions
- conflict resolution
- stress management
Key Concepts
philosophy
spiritual warfare
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you transform a harmful impulse into constructive energy?
- What practices help you observe passions without immediate reaction?
A Different Perspective
Mastery requires discipline and awareness, not just willpower.