"A toothache, or a violent passion, is not necessarily diminished by our knowledge of its causes, its character, its importance or insignificance"

T.S. Eliot's quote, "A toothache, or a violent enthusiasm, is not necessarily lessened by our knowledge of its causes, its character, its value or insignificance", offers an extensive reflection on the nature of human experience and emotion. At its core, the quote suggests that intellectual understanding or awareness does not always alleviate the intensity or impact of specific feelings or physical experiences.

To start with, Eliot relates a toothache with a "violent passion", putting physical discomfort and psychological turmoil on a similar plane. Both experiences can be frustrating, immediate, and challenging to disregard. This comparison highlights the universal nature of suffering, whether it stems from physical pain or psychological upheaval. Regardless of the obvious distinctions between a tooth pain and a psychological passion, they share a strength that can dominate one's consciousness.

By pointing out "our knowledge of its causes, its character, its importance or insignificance", Eliot indicate the restrictions of intellectualization. When experiencing extreme discomfort or feeling, comprehending why it takes place does not always reduce the discomfort or psychological distress. For example, understanding that a toothache may be brought on by a cavity does not make the pain any less genuine or powerful. Similarly, understanding that a "violent enthusiasm" might be fleeting or irrational does not lessen the grip it holds over the specific experiencing it.

Eliot's quote can likewise be viewed as a commentary on the human condition, where understanding and reason often struggle against the rawness of instinctual or visceral experiences. It suggests that there are elements of life that stay invulnerable to reasonable analysis, which the experiential truth of discomfort or enthusiasm maintains its power in spite of our attempts to comprehend it.

Thus, Eliot welcomes reflection on the balance in between intellect and feeling, between understanding and sensation. It is a reminder that while knowledge is important, it does not always protect us from the more tumultuous elements of being human. This insight encourages a more holistic approach to handling life's obstacles, recognizing that some experiences should be felt and endured instead of exclusively understood.