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Anger Quote by Antonin Sertillanges

“There are antecedent passion and consequent passion, that is, passion which precedes the use of reason or faith, and so hinders it; and passion which follows the exercise of reason or faith, and is of service to them. A man is in a state of anger at the moment when he ought to make a decision on…” quote by Antonin Sertillanges
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““There are antecedent passion and consequent passion, that is, passion which precedes the use of reason or faith, and so hinders it; and passion which follows the exercise of reason or faith, and is of service to them. A man is in a state of anger at the moment when he ought to make a decision on an action; he decides badly, for anger blinds him. But when the decision is taken, and the man is wholly engaged in the performance, it may happen that a generous anger, kept within its proper limits, is a strength. What would we do without anger, without passion generally, on the battlefields either of war or of life?””

Antonin Sertillanges

About This Quote

Source Book: The Philosophy of Saint Thomas Aquinas, 1922

Passion can both cloud judgment before rational action and empower decisive action when properly harnessed.

In simple terms: Passion hinders before reason, helps after.

Key Takeaway

Balance emotion with reason for effective decisions.

Themes

emotion reason decision-making war life

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • military strategy
  • personal conflict resolution
  • leadership
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you channel anger constructively?
  • When is passion a hindrance?
A Different Perspective

Passion may become destructive if unchecked.

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