Matthew kept hinting that his desire - for blood, chiefly…
“Matthew kept hinting that his desire - for blood, chiefly- was so strong that it put everything else at risk. But vampires weren’t the only creatures who had to manage such strong impulses. Much of what qualified as magic was simply desire in action. Witchcraft was different- that took spells and rituals. But magic? A wish, a need, a hunger too strong to be denied- these could turn into deeds when they cross a witch’s mind.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Discovery of Witches, Deborah Harkness, 2011
Desire drives magical acts; unchecked impulses can become dangerous deeds.
In simple terms: Strong wishes become actions.
Key Takeaway
Control impulses before they control you.
Themes
desire
magic
impulse control
consequences
rituals
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Personal ambition
- creative projects
- ethical decisions
- relationship dynamics
Key Concepts
Witchcraft
psychology
fantasy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when desire becomes harmful?
- What rituals help channel strong impulses?
A Different Perspective
Unchecked desire can lead to harm despite good intentions.