It was not reason that besieged Troy; it was not reason that sent forth the Saracen from the desert to conquer the world; that inspired the crusades; that instituted the monastic orders; it was not reason that produced the Jesuits; above all, it was not reason that created the French Revolution. Man is only great when he acts from the passions; never irresistible but when he appeals to the imagination.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Great historical movements stem from passion and imagination rather than pure reason.
- In plain terms
- Passion drives human action more than reason.
- What can you take from it?
- Appeal to emotions to inspire change.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does passion override reason?
- How do leaders harness imagination?
Another view
Reason is still necessary for planning and execution despite passion's role.
More from Benjamin Disraeli
I have been ever of opinion that revolutions are not to be evaded.
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Permalink to quote #126 A great city, whose image dwells in the memory of man, is the type of some great idea. Rome represents conquest; Faith hovers over the towers of Jerusalem; and…
Permalink to quote #123
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