"Our passions are like convulsion fits, which, though they make us stronger for a time, leave us the weaker ever after"

This quote by Alexander Pope is a reflection on the power of our enthusiasms. He compares them to convulsion fits, which can provide us a burst of strength and energy, but ultimately leave us weaker than in the past. This is since our enthusiasms can be so extreme that they can consume us, leaving us drained and tired. Pope is alerting us that although our passions can be effective and motivating, they can likewise threaten and harmful if we let them take control of. We need to beware to keep our enthusiasms in check, and not let them control us. Otherwise, we may find ourselves weaker than in the past.