We are constantly railing against the passions; we ascribe to them all of man's afflictions, and we forget that they are also the source of all his pleasures.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the dual nature of passions, suggesting they can lead to both suffering and joy.
Denis Diderot emphasizes the complexity of human passions, arguing that while people often criticize and blame passions for their troubles and afflictions, it is important to recognize that these same passions are also the wellspring of life's pleasures and joys. This dual perspective invites reflection on the balance of human emotions and the understanding that passion can encompass both positive and negative experiences.
In practice
In a motivational speech about embracing our emotions, I might say, 'Remember, as Diderot noted, passions are the source of both our suffering and our joy.'
The arbitrary rule of a just and enlightened prince is always bad. His virtues are the most dangerous and the surest form of seduction: they lull a people imperceptibly into the habit of loving, respecting, and serving his successor, whoever that successor may be, no matter how wicked or stupid.
This root [the potato], no matter how much you prepare it, is tasteless and floury. It cannot pass for an agreeable food, but it supplies a food sufficiently abundant and sufficiently healthy for men who ask only to sustain themselves. The potato is criticized with reason for being windy, but what matters windiness for the vigorous organisms of peasants and laborers?
Do you see this egg? With this you can topple every theological theory, every church or temple in the world.
There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge... observation of nature, reflection, and experimentation. Observation collects facts; reflection combines them; experimentation verifies the result of that combination.
In order to get as much fame as one's father one has to much more able than he.
All abstract sciences are nothing but the study of relations between signs.
A 'fair' fight between non-equals is not fair, and being blind to power is an implicit endorsement of the powerful.
When you are Real, shabbiness doesn't matter.
Who ARE You?" This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation. Alice replied, rather shyly, I--I hardly know, sir, just at present-- at least I know who I WAS when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.
An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.
Immortality: A toy which people cry for, And on their knees apply for, Dispute, contend and lie for, And if allowed Would be right proud Eternally to die for.
I've tried them all, I really have, and the only church that truly feeds the soul, day in, day out, is the Church of Baseball.
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