Appetite Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Reason should direct, and appetite obey.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: On governance, 45 BC
Reason should guide actions while desires follow rational direction.
In simple terms: Reason leads, appetite follows.
Key Takeaway
Let rational thought steer desires.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
self‑control
politics
virtue
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- decision making
- personal finance
- leadership
- public policy
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Stoicism
classical rhetoric
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you identify a desire you’ve let override reason?
- How might you align desires with rational goals?
A Different Perspective
Human impulses often resist rational guidance.
![“Things sacred should not only be touched with the hands, but unviolated in thought. [Lat., Res sacros non modo manibus attingi, sed ne cogitatione quidem violari fas fuit.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/deb/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_hands_things-sacred-should-not-only-be-touched_11960.jpg)
