A line from The Picture of Dorian Gray kept running…
““A line from The Picture of Dorian Gray kept running through my head- a line which, I thought, might have been written by the Devil himself: "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.””
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 feels like a release, but it also creates a lingering craving for what is forbidden, making the soul restless.
In simple terms: Giving in gives relief but fuels longing for the forbidden.
Key Takeaway
Consider the hidden cost of giving in.
Themes
temptation
selfcontrol
psychology
Mood
conflicted
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- addiction recovery
- creative writing
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
oral philosophy
desire
self‑regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden cravings arise after you give in?
- Can restraint be healthier than indulgence?
A Different Perspective
Yielding may provide short‑term relief but can deepen long‑term dissatisfaction.