"Great passions may give us a quickened sense of life, ecstasy and sorrow of love, the various forms of enthusiastic activity, disinterested or otherwise, which comes naturally to many of us"

This quote by Walter Pater talks to the power of strong emotions and how they can form our lives. He recommends that excellent passions can provide us an increased sense of life, and can bring us both ecstasy and sadness. He likewise acknowledges that these enthusiasms can take many kinds, from enthusiastic activities to disinterested ones. Pater is recommending that these enthusiasms are a natural part of life, and that much of us experience them. He is emphasizing the value of strong feelings and how they can shape our lives and our experiences. He is also recommending that these passions can be both positive and negative, which we need to know how they can impact us. Eventually, Pater is emphasizing the power of strong emotions and how they can shape our lives.