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One may disavow and disclaim vices that surprise us and…

“One may disavow and disclaim vices that surprise us and whereto our passions transport us. But those which by long habit are rooted in a strong and anchored in a powerful will are not subject to contradiction. Repentance is but a denying of our will, and an opposition of our fantasies, which…” quote by Michel de Montaigne
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“One may disavow and disclaim vices that surprise us and whereto our passions transport us. But those which by long habit are rooted in a strong and anchored in a powerful will are not subject to contradiction. Repentance is but a denying of our will, and an opposition of our fantasies, which diverts us here and there.”

Michel de Montaigne

About This Quote

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

Deeply ingrained habits, driven by strong will, resist change; denying them opposes our desires and leads to inner conflict.

In simple terms: Strong-willed habits are hard to change.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and gently reshape entrenched habits.

Themes

self-discipline habit formation willpower inner conflict

Mood

reflective introspective

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • therapy
  • addiction recovery
  • habit redesign

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology self-control

Questions to Reflect On

  • What habits feel unchangeable to you?
  • How can you align will with desired change?
A Different Perspective

Changing entrenched habits often meets resistance and may cause distress.

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