"Passion, you see, can be destroyed by a doctor. It cannot be created"
About this Quote
The quote by Peter Shaffer, "Passion, you see, can be damaged by a physician. It can not be produced", encapsulates a profound commentary on the nature of human emotions, the limits of medical intervention, and perhaps a critique of societal techniques to psychological health and human desires. At its core, this statement reflects the concept that passion, a deeply personal and intrinsic feeling, is something natural and organic-- it's a fiery, driving force that emerges from within an individual.
Shaffer, a distinguished playwright, typically checked out the tensions between rationality and emotion, civilization and the primal, in his works. In this quote, he recommends that while external forces, represented here by a "doctor", might have the power to suppress or reduce enthusiasm through various means-- be it medication, treatment, or social norms-- they are eventually powerless to make or instill enthusiasm where it does not naturally exist. The "doctor" can be translated as a sign of medical science, factor, or any external system that tries to control the human spirit.
The idea that passion "can not be developed" stresses the idea that real passion is not something that can be synthetically produced or imposed from the exterior. Rather, it springs from an individual's special experiences, desires, and intrinsic motivations. This highlights a belief in the authenticity of feelings, recommending that authentic passion should originate from a spontaneous and perhaps even strange location within the human soul.
The quote might likewise review the reductionist propensities of modern medication or psychology, where the complex tapestry of human emotions is often approached as issues to be managed or symptoms to be dealt with. Through this lens, Shaffer cautions against a mechanistic view of human nature that fails to honor the depth and intricacy of human feelings and individuality.
In a broader sense, the quote welcomes reflection on how society worths and understands enthusiasm. While clinical and logical methods have their location, the quote recommends that there is a vital part of the human experience-- passion-- that remains elusive and maybe sacred, advising us of our fundamental humankind.
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