Change Quote by Maria Edgeworth
““Though he had determined upon this in the first moment of joyful enthusiasm, yet the delay of four-and-twenty hours had made a material change in his feelings; his most virtuous resolves were always rather the effect of sudden impulse than of steady principle. But when the tide of passion had swept away the landmarks, he had no method of ascertaining the boundaries of right and wrong.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Belinda by Maria Edgeworth, 1801
Impulsive decisions can shift feelings dramatically, making moral judgments harder without steady principles.
In simple terms: Impulse changes feelings, blurs moral clarity.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate steady principles to guide actions.
Themes
impulse
morality
self‑control
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- relationship choices
- career moves
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
ethical reasoning
emotional volatility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance excitement with principle?
- What steadies your moral compass?
A Different Perspective
Impulse alone may not provide lasting moral direction.
