This quote by Aristotle suggests that passion, a strong and barely controllable emotion, is not easily swayed or controlled by reason or logic. Instead, it responds more to force, meaning it takes a significant amount of willpower, effort, or a strong external stimulus to change or control it. In essence, Aristotle is highlighting the raw, untamed nature of passion, and its resistance to the more civilised and rational aspects of human nature.
The quote implies that passion, in its most potent form, is a primal force that can overwhelm reason. This is not to say that passion is inherently negative. On the contrary, it can be a powerful driver of action, creativity, and change. However, when left unchecked or uncontrolled, it can lead to irrational decisions or destructive behaviour.
Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see examples of this dynamic in various aspects of life. In politics, for instance, leaders often appeal to the passions of their followers rather than their reason, leading to polarisation and conflict. Similarly, in business, entrepreneurs often speak about the need for passion in pursuing a venture, but this passion also needs to be tempered with reason to avoid costly mistakes.
In terms of personal development, this quote can serve as a reminder of the need for balance between passion and reason. While passion can provide the motivation and drive to pursue our goals, reason ensures that our actions are grounded in reality and aligned with our long-term interests. Therefore, it’s not about suppressing passion, but rather about channeling it in a constructive manner through the application of reason and force of will.
In other words, passion should not be the master but the fuel that drives us forward, with reason holding the reins to ensure we stay on the right path. This can be seen in successful individuals who harness their passion to drive them towards their goals, but use reason to make strategic decisions and overcome obstacles. They apply ‘force’ in the form of self-discipline, resilience, and determination to control and direct their passion.
