Desire Quote by Francis Quarles
“He that discovers himself, till he hath made himself master of his desires, lays himself open to his own ruin, and makes himself prisoner to his own tongue.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Moralities, 1648
Self‑mastery over desire prevents self‑destruction, while uncontrolled speech can imprison us.
In simple terms: Control desires, watch speech.
Master desires, guard words.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- relationships
- public speaking
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you notice when desire overtakes reason?
- What habits keep your speech honest?
Even with mastery, external pressures can still cause ruin.