“He only employs his passion who can make no use of his reason.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“He only employs his passion who can make no use of his reason.”
Explanation
This quote presents a sharp contrast between emotion and reason, asserting that those who act out of passion do so because they have failed or refused to use their rational faculties. Cicero views reason as the defining trait of humanity, the faculty that allows individuals to deliberate, judge, and act justly. In contrast, passion is impulsive, volatile, and often destructive when it overrides rational thought. The quote implies that to rely on passion alone is a mark of weakness or incapacity.
Cicero was profoundly influenced by Stoic philosophy, which emphasized rational control over emotions as essential for moral and civic virtue. His writings frequently warn against the dangers of letting anger, desire, or ambition dominate the soul, particularly for those in positions of leadership. In this context, Cicero is not condemning passion altogether, but rather asserting that unrestrained passion, detached from reason, leads to folly and injustice.
In contemporary terms, this insight remains critical in both personal and public life. Whether in politics, conflict resolution, or decision-making, acting from uncontrolled emotion often results in poor outcomes. Modern psychology supports this ancient wisdom, recognizing that emotional intelligence involves balancing feeling with thought. Cicero’s message is clear: wisdom lies in mastering passion, not being mastered by it.
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