Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are…
““Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners: so that if we will plant nettles, or sow lettuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme, supply it with one gender of herbs, or distract it with many, either to have it sterile with idleness, or manured with industry, why, the power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills. If the balance of our lives had not one scale of reason to poise another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our natures would conduct us to most preposterous conclusions: but we have reason to cool our raging motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts, whereof I take this that you call love to be a sect or scion.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human will is like a garden; we can cultivate virtue or vice, balancing reason and desire.
In simple terms: Our choices shape our character, balancing mind and body.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate good habits and balance reason with desire.
Themes
self‑control
balance
human nature
choice
virtue
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- leadership training
- mindfulness practice
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you tend to nurture positive or negative habits?
- How do you balance logic and emotion in decisions?
A Different Perspective
Pure reason may be insufficient without emotional intelligence.