Quote by Ambrose Bierce
Enthusiasm. A distemper of youth, curable by small doses of repentance in connection with outward applications of experience.
Summary
This quote suggests that enthusiasm is a common characteristic of youth that can sometimes be excessive or misguided. The cure for this "distemper" lies in the combination of admitting mistakes (repentance) and gaining wisdom through firsthand knowledge (experience). By learning from their errors and applying newfound insights to their actions, individuals can temper their enthusiasm and develop a balanced approach to life. This implies that maturity and self-reflection are essential in order to harness enthusiasm in a more effective and productive manner.