Single Idea 23937

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 3. Emotions / f. Emotion and reason]

Full Idea

It is not the passions who require the controls and rationalisations of reason. Rather, it is reason that requires the anchorage and earthy wisdom of the passions.

Gist of Idea

It is reason which needs the anchorage of passions, rather than vice versa

Source

Robert C. Solomon (The Passions [1976], Pref)

Book Reference

Solomon,Robert C.: 'The Passions (1993 ed)' [Hackett 1993], p.-8


A Reaction

I like the second half of this. We don't just follow the winds of arguments; we decide into which of the many conflicting winds we should steer the rational arguments, and that needs passions. Only a fool doesn't rationally control their passions.

Related Idea

Idea 23767 The winds of the discussion should decide its destination [Plato]