Affection Quote by Algernon Sidney
“Many things are unknown to the wisest, and the best men can never wholly divest themselves of passions and affections... nothing can or ought to be permanent but that which is perfect.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Discourses Concerning Government, 1690
Even the wisest cannot escape passions; only perfection is unchanging.
In simple terms: Wisdom coexists with emotion; only perfection endures.
Key Takeaway
Accept imperfection, seek growth.
Themes
philosophy
human nature
perfection
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- ethical decision making
- leadership
- self‑improvement
Key Concepts
Stoicism
political theory
human limits
Questions to Reflect On
- Can we balance passion with reason?
- What is truly permanent?
A Different Perspective
Human emotions can cloud judgment.
![“[A]ll popular and well-mixed governments [republics] . . . are ever established by wise and good men, and can never be upheld otherwise than by virtue: The worst men always conspiring against them, they must fall, if the best have not power to preserve them. . . . [and] unless they be preserved in…” quote by Algernon Sidney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1c1/algernon-sidney-20606_conspiring_a-ll-popular-and-well-mixed-governments_696129.jpg)
![“[L]iberty cannot be preserved, if the manners of the people are corrupted . . .” quote by Algernon Sidney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/65d/algernon-sidney-20606_freedom_l-iberty-cannot-be-preserved-if-the-mann_1577380.jpg)
