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About this quote

What does it mean?
Passion can grant fools a temporary kind of intelligence, especially in youth.
In plain terms
Passion briefly makes the naive seem wise.
What can you take from it?
Channel youthful passion into learning.

Where it applies

  • creative projects
  • early career

Putting it to work

  • harness enthusiasm
  • seek mentorship

Questions to consider

  • When does passion become harmful?
  • How to sustain intelligence beyond passion?

Another view

Passion without substance may lead to reckless decisions.

More from Honore de Balzac

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