There appears to be but two grand master passions or…
“There appears to be but two grand master passions or movers in the human mind, namely, love and pride. And what constitutes the beauty or deformity of a man's character is the choice he makes under which banner he determines to enlist himself. But there is a strong distinction between different degress in the same thing and a mixture of two contraries.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human character is shaped by love and pride; choices under these drives define virtue or vice, with varying degrees and mixtures influencing outcomes.
In simple terms: Love and pride guide moral choices.
Key Takeaway
Examine how your motivations shape your character.
Themes
ethics
psychology
character development
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
philosophical
didactic
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
virtue theory
motivational psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What choices reflect love versus pride?
- Can mixed motives be morally acceptable?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on pride can justify selfish behavior.