Asceticism Quote by Os Guinness
“Mastering our emotions has nothing to do with asceticism or repression, for the purpose is not to break the emotions or deny them but to "break in" the emotions, making them teachable because they are tamed.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: The Power of Emotion, 2015
Emotions should be engaged and learned from, not suppressed; mastering them makes them useful teachers.
In simple terms: Learn from emotions rather than repress them.
Key Takeaway
Practice mindful emotional awareness.
Themes
emotional intelligence
self‑mastery
learning
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- therapy
- education
- leadership training
Key Concepts
psychology
spiritual growth
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you “break in” an emotion you find uncomfortable?
- What does it mean to make emotions teachable?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on control can lead to avoidance of genuine feeling.
