There are many objects of desire, and therefore many…
“There are many objects of desire, and therefore many desires. Some are born with us, hunger, yearning, and pride of place, and some are the foolishness of the world, such as the desire to eat off silver plates. Desire is a wild horse to be tamed. Virtue is a habit long continued. The taming of desire is like the training of the athlete. Discipline is not the restraint but the use of energy. . . . When I forbid myself what I may have, no person is going to tempt me with what is truly forbidden.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Desire multiplies with objects; some are innate, others are superficial. Taming desire requires disciplined, purposeful use of energy, akin to athletic training.
In simple terms: Desire grows with many wants; discipline channels it.
Key Takeaway
Channel desire into purposeful action.
Themes
desire
discipline
self‑control
habit
energy
Mood
reflective
motivational
Type
philosophical
self‑help
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- goal setting
- habit formation
- self‑improvement
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you distinguish essential from superficial desires?
- What practices help you channel desire constructively?
A Different Perspective
Discipline can become rigid if not balanced with flexibility.