Many a one commits a reprehensible action, who is at bottom an honourable man, because man seldom acts upon natural impulse, but from some secret passion of the moment which lies hidden and concealed within the narrowest folds of his heart.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Honorable people can do bad things when hidden passions override their natural instincts in the moment.
- In plain terms
- Good people sometimes do bad things because of hidden emotions that take over.
- What can you take from it?
- Hidden passions can make good people act badly even if they are honorable.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What hidden passions influence your actions?
- Are all people capable of bad acts?
Another view
This excuses bad behavior rather than holding people accountable.
More from Napoleon Bonaparte
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