Devil Quote by George Santayana
“It is a revenge the devil sometimes takes upon the virtuous, that he entraps them by the force of the very passion they have suppressed and think themselves superior to.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical essay: The Life of Reason, George Santayana, 1905
Suppressed passions can be weaponized by evil, turning virtue into a trap that fuels the very vice it opposes.
In simple terms: Repressed desires can backfire.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge and integrate strong emotions responsibly.
Themes
virtue
passion
temptation
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal ethics
- spiritual practice
- conflict resolution
- self‑control
Key Concepts
psychology
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you manage strong suppressed emotions?
- Can virtue coexist with passion without conflict?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring inner drives may lead to unintended consequences.
