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About this quote

What does it mean?
Describes zeal as a nervous disorder in the young, a passion that precedes chaos.
In plain terms
Zeal is a nervous disorder in youth that leads to chaos.
What can you take from it?
Over‑enthusiasm can become destabilizing.

Where it applies

  • political activism
  • entrepreneurial ventures
  • radical movements

Putting it to work

  • temperance training
  • mentor guidance
  • risk assessment

Questions to consider

  • When does zeal become harmful rather than motivating?

Another view

Not all zeal is pathological; it can drive positive change.

More from Ambrose Bierce

  1. Youth, n. The Period of Possibility, when Archimedes finds a fulcrum, Cassandra has a following and seven cities compete for the honor of endowing a living Hom…

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  2. Woman would be more charming if one could fall into her arms without falling into her hands.

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  3. Year, n. A period of three hundred and sixty-five disappointments.

    Permalink to quote #86

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