"On Reason and Passion" Summary

The priestess speaks again, asking about reason and passion. Almustafa likens the soul to a battlefield where reason and judgment fight passion and appetite, and he wishes he could be a peacemaker, turning discord into melody. Reason and passion are the rudder and sails of the soul. If either breaks, one drifts or goes nowhere. Reason confines while unattended passion destroys. The soul must exalt reason to the height of passion, let it sing and direct passion to become like phoenix rising from its own ashes. Judgment and appetite should be treated like guests in one's house. If either is more honored than the other, the love and faith of both are lost. Sitting in the shade on a hill, one must say in silence, "God rests in reason." When a storm rolls through, say...