Able Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
“It is a mighty error to suppose that none but violent and strong passions, such as love and ambition, are able to vanquish the rest. Even idleness, as feeble and languishing as it is, sometimes reigns over them; it usurps the throne and sits paramount over all the designs and actions of our lives, and imperceptibly wastes and destroys all our passions and all our virtues.”
About This Quote
Source Maxim: Reflections on Human Nature, 1665
Even weak, idle passions can dominate strong ones, silently eroding virtues and ambitions.
In simple terms: Idle passions can undermine strong drives.
Key Takeaway
Guard against complacency.
Themes
human nature
passion
virtue
Mood
cautionary
philosophical
Type
maxim
reflective
When to use this quote
- career planning
- personal development
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
idleness
ambition
Questions to Reflect On
- How does idleness manifest in your life?
- What habits counteract it?
A Different Perspective
Strong emotions may still dominate despite idleness.
