“Will cannot be quenched against its will.”
- c. 1265 – September 14, 1321
- Italian
- Poet, Writer, Philosopher, Author of The Divine Comedy
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Quote
“Will cannot be quenched against its will.”
Explanation
This quote comes from Dante Alighieri’s Purgatorio, Canto VII, in The Divine Comedy. The original Italian is: “ché volontà, se non vuol, non s’ammorza,” which translates as: “for will, if it wills not, is not quenched.” Dante is exploring the nature of free will, a central theme throughout the Purgatorio, where souls are in the process of purification through their voluntary cooperation with divine grace.
Dante’s point here is that the human will cannot be forced to change unless it consents. Even in Purgatory, where souls suffer to cleanse themselves of sin, this process only proceeds through their willing participation. It reflects a Christian philosophical principle—especially influenced by Thomas Aquinas—that free will is essential to moral transformation. No external force, not even divine, coerces the soul; the journey toward salvation must be chosen.
This quote has strong modern relevance, especially in discussions of personal growth, therapy, education, and ethics. Whether overcoming addiction, adopting a new belief, or changing behavior, true change cannot be imposed—it must be embraced from within. Dante’s insight underscores the enduring truth that free will is both a gift and a responsibility, and that authentic transformation begins with inner assent.
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