Discourse Quote by Joseph Addison
“In England we see people lulled sleep with solid and elaborate discourses of piety, who would be warmed and transported out of themselves by the bellowings and distortions of enthusiasm.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Spectator, 1712
People are lulled by formal piety, but enthusiasm can awaken and transport them beyond self‑absorption.
In simple terms: Enthusiasm awakens people.
Key Takeaway
Embrace passionate expression.
Themes
piety
enthusiasm
awakening
Mood
inspirational
critical
Type
philosophical
cultural
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- religious services
- educational lectures
- art exhibitions
Key Concepts
rhetorical influence
emotional resonance
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can enthusiasm be balanced with reason?
- When does passion become counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
Enthusiasm may be dismissed as irrational.
![“That is another theme in the book [Dreams from My Father]. How do we exercise more empathy in our public discourse? How do we get the black to see through the eyes of the white? Or the citizen to see through the eyes of the immigrant? Or the straight to see through the eyes of the gay? That has…” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00d/barack-obama-17_black_that-is-another-theme-in-the-book-dreams_10185.jpg)
