I understand by this passion the union of desire, friendship, and tenderness, which is inflamed by a single female, which prefers her to the rest of her sex, and which seeks her possession as the supreme or the sole happiness of our being.

In this quote, Edward Gibbon describes passion as a complex and intense emotional state that arises from the union of desire, friendship, and tenderness. He suggests that this passion is uniquely directed towards a single female, and it is a feeling that elevates her above all other women. The passion, according to Gibbon, seeks to possess the object of affection, making her the supreme or sole happiness in the individual's life. This conveys the idea of passion as an overwhelming desire to be united with a particular person, where the pursuit of this relationship becomes central to one's existence.

Gibbon's quote suggests that passion is not just a physical or superficial attraction, but a deeper connection involving emotional intimacy and personal affection. The union of friendship and tenderness highlights the complexity of the emotional bond, indicating that true passion goes beyond mere infatuation or lust—it is rooted in a profound emotional and intellectual connection with the person.

The origin of this perspective likely comes from Gibbon's broader views on human nature and relationships, informed by his experiences and observations as a historian. As a thinker in the 18th century, Gibbon was influenced by the Enlightenment's focus on reason, emotion, and human behavior. His exploration of passion here reflects the philosophical and cultural understanding of the time about the deep emotional states that can dominate individuals.

Ultimately, Gibbon’s quote offers a view of passion that is intense and consuming, describing how a profound emotional attachment to one person can overshadow all other relationships and desires. His words explore the idea that true passion is not just about physical attraction, but about the merging of emotional bonds and desires, making the pursuit of this love the central happiness in one’s life.