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"When they followed the dictates for reason, they bore the torment of ungratify'd inordinate appetites; and when they chose to obey their passions, reflection fill'd them with terror and remorse: and in this sense, it is true, that all men are born in a state of war; that is, they felt in themselves an obstinate conflict between the superior commanding faculties of the mind, and the subordinate passions that rebel against them."

— Blackmore, Sir Richard (1654-1729)

Author

Blackmore, Sir Richard (1654-1729)

Work Title

Redemption: A Divine Poem, in Six Books

Place of Publication

London

Publisher

Printed for A. Bettesworth and James MackEuen

Date

1722

Metaphor

"When they followed the dictates for reason, they bore the torment of ungratify'd inordinate appetites; and when they chose to obey their passions, reflection fill'd them with terror and remorse: and in this sense, it is true, that all men are born in a state of war; that is, they felt in themselves an obstinate conflict between the superior commanding faculties of the mind, and the subordinate passions that rebel against them."

Metaphor in Context

Mankind, from the eldest ages, have felt great disturbance in themselves, from a vehement and constant strife between their reason and their passions; they found themselves distracted by these inward warring principles, of which they were compounded, drawing different ways, and contending for victory and dominion. These repugnant springs of action created in them great inquietude, while they were unable to serve two opposite masters. When they followed the dictates for reason, they bore the torment of ungratify'd inordinate appetites; and when they chose to obey their passions, reflection fill'd them with terror and remorse: and in this sense, it is true, that all men are born in a state of war; that is, they felt in themselves an obstinate conflict between the superior commanding faculties of the mind, and the subordinate passions that rebel against them.
(Preface, viii-ix)