Effects Quote by Pierre-Claude-Victor Boiste
“To regard the excesses of the passions as maladies has so salutary an effect that this idea renders all moral sermons useless.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays on Morality, 1825
Viewing extreme emotions as illnesses can diminish the persuasive power of moral preaching, making it less effective.
In simple terms: Seeing passions as illnesses weakens moral sermons.
Key Takeaway
Question the usefulness of moral preaching.
Themes
morality
psychology
critique
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- personal counseling
- religious teaching
- self‑help literature
- public speaking
Key Concepts
emotional pathology
moral authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labeling passion as illness affect personal responsibility?
- Can moral lessons work without invoking fear?
A Different Perspective
Not all moral guidance relies on fear; some may inspire positive change.
