I really like this essay, which focuses on misusing the word "passion".
Passion is not enthusiasm. It is not love. It is not enjoyment, and it is not flow. Passion is an unstoppable overflowing of emotion that destroys in its satisfaction, that torpedoes lives and marriages and nations, that shoots husbands or coworkers or strangers in rage. It is the hot lava of the soul, and it burns what it pours over. It is not the positive team-building thing your supervisor would have you believe.
(via Bruce Sterling)
Brilliant. We shouldn't forget that "passion" is from "patior," i.e., "to suffer."
Posted by: nbr | May 24, 2007 at 12:15
The article is very perceptive. In true passion, one does not know where the passionate act will lead.
It was Hegal who coined the term "poverty of passion". "Poverty of passion" occurs one does not reflect on the self's true nature, desires, and interests. One lets popular opinion, parents, a partner, friends, etc. cover up one's true interests and callings. A person can avoid exploring these facets of the self. One must ask what is really important in my life? What really matters?
A classic work on this subject is "On Being Free" by Frithjof Bergmann.
Posted by: Eric Ederer | May 24, 2007 at 20:28
Excellent etymological move, nbr!
Beautiful reflection, Eric. I'd forgotten that Hegel probe. Interesting take on emergence.
Posted by: Bryan Alexander | May 24, 2007 at 23:28
> "Passion is an unstoppable overflowing of emotion that destroys in its satisfaction, that torpedoes lives and marriages and nations, that shoots husbands or coworkers or strangers in rage."
When Hume said, "Reason is, and always must be, the slave of the passions," I don't think this is what he meant.
Be careful to ask, whether this essay is defining, or redefining.
Posted by: Stephen Downes | May 25, 2007 at 19:45