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If the men were without passions, it would be forgivable…

“If the men were without passions, it would be forgivable to see Machiavel try to give some to them; he would be the new [[Prometheus]] bringing celestial fire to breathe life into robots. But no man is without passions. When they are moderated, they are the heart of the enterprise; but when the…” quote by Frederick the Great
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““If the men were without passions, it would be forgivable to see Machiavel try to give some to them; he would be the new [[Prometheus]] bringing celestial fire to breathe life into robots. But no man is without passions. When they are moderated, they are the heart of the enterprise; but when the brake is stripped of them, they are its destruction.””

Frederick the Great

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He contends passions are essential; without them, humanity is robotic, but excess leads to ruin.

In simple terms: Passions vital, but need balance.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate moderated passions.

Themes

philosophy human nature balance

Mood

reflective strategic

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • leadership training
  • personal development
  • team management

Key Concepts

ethics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you regulate passion?
  • What risks arise from suppression?
A Different Perspective

Balancing passion is complex.

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