It was not reason that besieged Troy; it was not reason that sent forth the Saracen from the desert to conquer the world; that inspired the crusades; that instituted the monastic orders; it was not reason that produced the Jesuits; above all, it was not reason that created the French Revolution. Man is only great when he acts from the passions; never irresistible but when he appeals to the imagination.

Summary

This quote suggests that reason alone is not solely responsible for shaping significant events or movements in history. It states that it was not reason that drove the fall of Troy, the rise of the Saracen empire, the initiation of the Crusades, the establishment of monastic orders, the creation of the Jesuits, or even the French Revolution. Instead, the quote argues that humans are truly exceptional when they are driven by their passions and able to capture the imagination of others. It implies that it is the combination of emotions and the ability to inspire that lead to the most profound and impactful actions.

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