The ruling passion, be it what it will,
The ruling passion conquers reason still.

The ruling passion, be it what it will,
The ruling passion conquers reason still.

May I govern my passions with absolute sway,
And grow wiser and better as my strength wears away.

May I govern my passions with absolute sway,
And grow wiser and better as my strength wears away.

Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.

Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.

Filled with fury, rapt, inspir'd.

Filled with fury, rapt, inspir'd.

The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community read more

The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.

Fountain-heads and pathless groves,
Places which pale passion loves!

Fountain-heads and pathless groves,
Places which pale passion loves!

Bee to the blossom, moth to the flame;
Each to his passion; what's in a name?

Bee to the blossom, moth to the flame;
Each to his passion; what's in a name?

Nevertheless the passions, whether violent or not, should never be so expressed as to reach the point of causing disgust; read more

Nevertheless the passions, whether violent or not, should never be so expressed as to reach the point of causing disgust; and music, even in situations of the greatest horror, should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it, and thereby always remain music.

Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand, thus, but use all gently. For in the very read more

Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand, thus, but use all gently. For in the very torrent, tempest, and as I may say, whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness.