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About this quote

What does it mean?
Struggling against temptation increases its force; flee or accept it immediately.
In plain terms
Don't fight temptation hard; run away or give in right away.
What can you take from it?
Resistance often makes temptation stronger.

Where it applies

  • addiction
  • self-discipline
  • moral decisions

Putting it to work

  • avoid testing willpower
  • plan exit routes

Questions to consider

  • Is fighting temptation useful?
  • When is avoidance better than struggle?

Another view

Some forms of resistance build strength.

More from F. H. Bradley

  1. The deadliest foe to virtue would be complete self-knowledge.

    Permalink to quote #13
  2. There are those who so dislike the nude that they find something indecent in the naked truth.

    Permalink to quote #15
  3. The man who has ceased to fear has ceased to care.

    Permalink to quote #12

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