4 Maccabees 1:7

7 I could prove to you from many and various examples that reason ^[a] is dominant over the emotions,

4 Maccabees 1:7 In-Context

5 Some might perhaps ask, "If reason rules the emotions, why is it not sovereign over forgetfulness and ignorance?" Their attempt at argument is ridiculous!

6 For reason does not rule its own emotions, but those that are opposed to justice, courage, and self-control; and it is not for the purpose of destroying them, but so that one may not give way to them.

7 I could prove to you from many and various examples that reason is dominant over the emotions,

8 but I can demonstrate it best from the noble bravery of those who died for the sake of virtue, Eleazar and the seven brothers and their mother.

9 All of these, by despising sufferings that bring death, demonstrated that reason controls the emotions.

Footnotes

• [a] Other ancient authorities read [devout reason]