Absence diminishes mediocre passions and increases great ones, as the wind extinguishes candles and fans fires.

The quote "Absence diminishes mediocre passions and increases great ones, as the wind extinguishes candles and fans fires" by Francois de La Rochefoucauld explores the effect of absence on emotions and passions. La Rochefoucauld, a 17th-century French writer known for his maxims, suggests that when it comes to relationships and feelings, time apart can have contrasting effects depending on the strength of the emotion involved. Mediocre passions—those that are shallow or fleeting—tend to fade when separated, while great passions, characterized by depth and intensity, grow stronger in absence.

The comparison to wind, which extinguishes candles but fans fires, illustrates the idea that the force of absence acts differently depending on the intensity of the emotion. A mediocre passion is like a candle, easily snuffed out when faced with distance or separation, unable to withstand the lack of attention. On the other hand, a great passion is like a fire—its flames only grow fiercer when fanned by absence, suggesting that true love, devotion, or commitment is not weakened by distance but rather intensified by it.

La Rochefoucauld’s quote reflects his belief in the complexity of human nature, where emotions can be fragile or resilient based on their depth and authenticity. The underlying message is that genuine love or deep emotions endure the test of time and absence, while more superficial feelings tend to diminish when not nurtured.

Ultimately, this maxim underscores the idea that absence serves as a revealing force in relationships, highlighting whether the feelings involved are genuine and profound or merely transitory. It emphasizes that true passions are not easily diminished, and in fact, they often grow stronger when faced with challenges like separation.