Men often, in endeavoring to gratify their own passions…
““Men often, in endeavoring to gratify their own passions, seek what is injurious to them, reject what would be truly advantageous, and are deluded by the idea that nothing is really useful except what is agreeable to them. When once led astray by this error, they are no longer able to act in a manner conducive to their own interests, or to take warning by the calamities which are visited upon them.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People pursue harmful passions, reject true good, and are misled by self-interest, leading to ruin.
In simple terms: Self-interest blinds us to true benefit.
Key Takeaway
Seek objective good over personal desire.
Themes
human nature
self-interest
error
wisdom
Mood
cautionary
thoughtful
serious
Type
Politics-observation:0
Gratify Passions:0
Advantageous Deluded:0
Seek Injurious:0
Endeavoring Gratify:0
Passions Seek:0
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- leadership
- moral education
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What passions harm your growth?
- How can you discern true advantage?
A Different Perspective
Changing ingrained habits is difficult.