The ruling passion, be it what it will,
The ruling passion conquers reason still.
—Pope.
Men spend their lives in the service of their passions, instead of employing their passions in the service of their lives.—Steele.
The art of governing the passions is more useful, and more important, than many things in the search and pursuit of which we spend our days. Without this art, riches and health, and skill and knowledge, will give us little satisfaction; and whatsoever else we be, we can be neither happy, nor wise, nor good.—Jortin.
Hold not conference, debate, or reasoning with any lust; 'tis but a preparatory for thy admission of it. The way is at the very first flatly to deny it.—Fuller.
In the human breast two master-passions cannot coexist.—Campbell.
The passions act as winds to propel our vessel, our reason is the pilot that steers her; without the winds she would not move, without the pilot she would be lost.—From the French.
Even virtue itself, all perfect as it is, requires to be inspirited by passion; for duties are but coldly performed which are but philosophically fulfilled.—Mrs. Jameson.
Our headstrong passions shut the door of our souls against God.—Confucius.
Men will always act according to their passions. Therefore the best government is that which inspires the nobler passions and destroys the meaner.—Jacobi.
The passions should be purged; all may become innocent if they are well directed and moderated. Even hatred maybe a commendable feeling when it is caused by a lively love of good. Whatever makes the passions pure, makes them stronger, more durable, and more enjoyable.—Joubert.