The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it…
“The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself, with desire for what its monstrous laws have made monstrous and unlawful.”
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 temptation prevents the perpetual, painful yearning that arises when desire is denied by self-imposed moral strictures.
In simple terms: Denial fuels longing; indulgence ends it.
Key Takeaway
Forbidden desire creates inner torment.
Themes
temptation
self-control
psychology
morality
desire
Mood
reflective
ironic
cautionary
Type
aphorism
philosophical
When to use this quote
- struggling with diet
- censorship of art
- personal moral dilemmas
- addiction recovery
Key Concepts
inner conflict
psychological consequences
social norms
Practical Applications
- self-help counseling
- creative writing prompts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this suggest about the relationship between desire and suffering?
- How might this view influence personal discipline?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that restraint builds character and that indulgence can lead to dependency.