Evelina Quote by Fanny Burney
““Young, animated, entirely off your guard, and thoughtless of consequences, Imagination took the reins; and Reason, slow-paced, though sure-footed, was unequal to the race of so eccentric and flighty a companion. How rapid was then my Evelina's progress through those regions of fancy and passion whither her new guide conducted her!-She saw Lord Orville at a ball,-and he was the most amiable of men! -She met him again at another,-and he had every virtue under Heaven!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Evelina, 1778
Contrasts youthful imagination with slower reason, showing how imagination leads to impulsive adventures while reason lags, yet both shape experience.
In simple terms: Imagination drives bold actions; reason follows cautiously.
Key Takeaway
Balance imagination with reason.
Themes
imagination
reason
growth
youth
Mood
playful
thoughtful
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- adolescent decision making
- creative pursuits
- educational guidance
Key Concepts
psychological development
literary analysis
character dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When should imagination lead?
- How can reason keep pace?
A Different Perspective
Reason may be undervalued or suppressed.
![“I never pretend to be so superior a being as to be above having and indulging a hobby horse [her journal writing], and while I keep mine within due bounds and limits, nobody, I flatter myself, would wish to deprive me of the poor animal: to be sure, he is not formed for labour, and is rather lame…” quote by Fanny Burney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d52/fanny-burney-7403_animal_i-never-pretend-to-be-so-superior-a-bein_485407.jpg)
![“The laws of custom make our [returning a visit] necessary. O how I hate this vile custom which obliges us to make slaves of ourselves! to sell the most precious property we boast, our time;--and to sacrifice it to every prattling impertinent who chooses to demand it!” quote by Fanny Burney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d6b/fanny-burney-7403_boast_the-laws-of-custom-make-our-returning-a_580819.jpg)
