Temptation quotes

Temptation

783 quotes on this topic — from poets, philosophers, and thinkers across history.

783 quotes

Explore further

Browse quotes that often appear alongside temptation — connected by shared ideas and recurring themes.

Quote collection

Temptation quotes (page 9 of 40)

Follow a thought to its author, or read the full quote page.

Jean Cocteau Poet, Novelist, Playwright
Temptation

"After you have written a thing and you reread it, there is always the temptation to fix it up, to improve it, to remove its poison, blunt its sting."

Read quote 4 likes
Jonathan Swift Satirist, Writer
Temptation

"Arbitrary power is the natural object of temptation to a prince, as wine and women to a young fellow, or a bribe to a judge, or avarice to old age."

Read quote 4 likes
Martin Luther Theologian
Temptation

"You must learn that if you are a Christian, you will without a doubt experience all kinds of opposition and evil inclinations in the flesh. For when you have faith, there will be a hundred more evil thoughts and a hundred more temptations than before."

Read quote 4 likes
Philip Roth Novelist
Temptation

"Nothing has a more sinister effect on art than the artist's desire to prove that he's good. The terrible temptation of idealism!"

Read quote 3 likes
Ben Harper Musician, Singer-Songwriter
Temptation

"Wish there was something that I could say or do, I can resist anything but the temptation from you. But I'd rather walk alone than chase you around, I'd rather fall myself then let you drag me on down."

Read quote 3 likes
Albert Einstein Physicist
Temptation

"The work on satisfactory formulation of technical patents was a true blessing for me. It compelled me to be many-sided in thought, and also offered important stimulation for thought about physics. Following a practical profession is a blessing for people of my type. Because the academic career puts a young person in a sort of compulsory situation to produce scientific papers in impressive quantity, a temptation to superficiality arises that only strong characters are able to resist."

Read quote 3 likes
Albert Schweitzer Philosopher, Theologian
Temptation

"I do not want to frighten you by telling you about the temptations life will bring. Anyone who is healthy in spirit will overcome them. But there is something I want you to realize. It does not matter so much what you do. What matters is whether your soul is harmed by what you do. If your soul is harmed, something irreparable happens, the extent of which you won't realize until it will be too late."

Read quote 3 likes
Anthony Bourdain Chef, Author, Television Personality
Temptation

"I do not have a merchandise line. I don't sell knives or apparel. Though I have been approached to endorse various products from liquor to airlines to automobiles to pharmaceuticals dozens of times, I have managed to resist the temptation."

Read quote 3 likes