“For to tempt and to be tempted are things very nearly allied — whenever feeling has anything to do in the matter, no sooner is it excited than we have already gone vastly farther than we are aware of.”
- May 2, 1729 – November 17, 1796
- Russian
- Empress of Russia, Enlightened Absolutist, Longest-Ruling Female Leader of Russia
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Quote
“For to tempt and to be tempted are things very nearly allied — whenever feeling has anything to do in the matter, no sooner is it excited than we have already gone vastly farther than we are aware of.”
Explanation
This quote delves into the psychological complexity of temptation and emotional vulnerability. Catherine the Great astutely observes that the roles of tempting and being tempted are closely connected, especially when emotion is involved. Once feeling is stirred, she warns, we often cross invisible boundaries before consciously recognizing it. It reflects her understanding that passion blurs judgment, and that in matters of the heart or desire, reason often lags behind action.
Catherine’s own life was filled with intricate court dynamics and personal relationships. As an Enlightenment thinker and a ruler with considerable personal agency, she was well aware of the fine lines between control and surrender, especially in emotional or romantic contexts. This quote suggests a candid admission that human behavior is often governed by subtle, unconscious shifts, rather than deliberate choices.
In modern terms, her insight applies to situations ranging from personal relationships to ethical dilemmas in leadership. For example, a small compromise in integrity—once emotionally justified—can lead someone further down a path they never intended. Catherine reminds us that awareness and emotional discipline are crucial, because the initial stirrings of feeling often mark the point where control begins to slip away, even before we recognize it.
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