Skip to content

Identity Quote by Denis de Rougemont

“So soon as passion goes beyond instinct and becomes truly itself, it tends to self self-description, either in order to justify or intensify its being, or else simply in order to keep going.” quote by Denis de Rougemont
Download Open image
““So soon as passion goes beyond instinct and becomes truly itself, it tends to self self-description, either in order to justify or intensify its being, or else simply in order to keep going.””

Denis de Rougemont

About This Quote

Source Essay: Love and the Modern World, Denis de Rougemont, 1950

When passion becomes self‑referential, it seeks justification or intensification, turning into a self‑sustaining narrative.

In simple terms: Passion seeks to justify itself.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when passion becomes self‑justifying.

Themes

passion identity self‑description justification intensification

Mood

thoughtful introspective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • creative projects
  • personal goals
  • relationship dynamics
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

philosophy existentialism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you keep passion grounded?
  • When does self‑justification hinder growth?
A Different Perspective

Self‑justifying passion may become detached from reality.

3.4 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Denis de Rougemont

Explore all 19 Denis de Rougemont quotes

More Identity quotes

Browse all 11,955 Identity quotes