Affair Quote by William Benton Clulow
“Fancy has an extensive influence in morals. Some of the most powerful and dangerous feelings in nature, as those of ambition and envy, derive their principal nourishment from a cause apparently so trivial. Its effect on the common affairs of life is greater than might be supposed. Naked reality would scarcely keep the world in motion.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Moral Reflections, 19th century
Powerful emotions such as ambition and envy are fueled by seemingly trivial causes, yet they profoundly shape human affairs and drive societal motion.
In simple terms: Small causes can drive big emotions and actions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and manage trivial triggers of strong feelings.
Themes
morals
emotions
influence
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political leadership
- conflict resolution
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
psychology
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do minor irritations amplify into major conflicts?
- What simple actions can temper ambition and envy?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting these subtle causes can lead to unchecked destructive behavior.
![“Jesus was not content to derive his ethics from the scriptures of his upbringing. He explicitly departed from them. [...] Since a principal thesis of this chapter is that we do not, and should not, derive our morals from scripture, Jesus has to be honoured as a model for that very thesis.” quote by Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/caa/richard-dawkins-115_chapters_jesus-was-not-content-to-derive-his-ethi_1062044.jpg)
