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The reason passes, like the heart, through certain epochs and transitions, but its development is not so often portrayed. Men seem to have been satisfied with unfolding the passions in their extremes, their aberration, and their results, without considering how closely they are bound up with the intellectual constitution of the individual.

Friedrich von Schiller#85

HistoryReasonIntellectDevelopmentPassion

About this quote

What does it mean?
Reason evolves through stages but is rarely depicted clearly. People focus on extreme passions instead of understanding their connection to intellect.
In plain terms
Reason develops subtly, not shown in stories.
What can you take from it?
Study reason's growth, not just passions.

Where it applies

  • education
  • art analysis
  • self-understanding

Putting it to work

  • explore intellectual history
  • analyze personal growth

Questions to consider

  • How does reason grow over time?
  • Why ignore intellect in art?

Another view

Passions are more dramatic to observe.

More from Friedrich von Schiller

  1. The most pious man can't stay in peace If it doesn't please his evil neighbor.

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  2. The present age has witnessed an extraordinary increase of a thinking public, by the facilities afforded to the diffusion of reading; the former happy resignat…

    Permalink to quote #86
  3. A gloomy guest fits not a wedding feast.

    Permalink to quote #83

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