98. There are two
kinds of mental motions Cic. de
Off. I. 36, § 132.—those of
reflection and of passion. The one has to do with reflection, the
other with passion. There is no confusion one with the other, for
they are markedly different and unlike. Reflection has to search
and as it were to grind out the truth. Passion prompts and
stimulates us to do something. Thus by its very nature reflection
diffuses tranquillity and calm; and passion sends forth the impulse to
act. Let us then be ready to allow reflection on good things to
enter into our mind, and to make passion submit to reason (if indeed we
wish to direct our minds to guard what is seemly), lest desire for
anything should shut out reason. Rather let reason test and see
what befits virtue.