As for the passions and studies of the mind: avoid envy; anxious fears; anger fretting inwards; subtle and knotty inquisitions; joys and exhilarations in excess; sadness not communicated. Entertain hopes; mirth rather than joy; variety of delights, rather than surfeit of them; wonder and admiration, and therefore novelties; studies that fill the mind with splendid and illustrious objects, as histories, fables, and contemplations of nature.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Manage mental states by avoiding negative emotions and excess, while cultivating hope and varied delights.
- In plain terms
- Avoid harmful passions and seek balanced joys.
- What can you take from it?
- Curate your mental habits for well-being.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Which emotions should you avoid?
- How do you maintain mental balance?
Another view
Avoiding all strong emotions may limit depth.
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