Peter Shaffer: 'Passion, you see, can be destroyed by a doctor. It cannot be created.'

Passion, you see, can be destroyed by a doctor. It cannot be created.

In Peter Shaffer's intriguing quote, 'Passion, you see, can be destroyed by a doctor. It cannot be created,' he raises an interesting concept surrounding the nature of passion and its vulnerability. At a simple level, this quote suggests that passion is a delicate and fragile emotion that can be easily extinguished by external factors, such as a doctor's diagnosis or intervention. However, let us delve deeper into the meaning of this quote and explore the intriguing intersection of passion and the mysterious realm of philosophical concepts.Passion, in its essence, is a powerful force that drives individuals towards their goals, dreams, and desires. It is an intense emotion that serves as a driving force behind our pursuits, infusing them with energy and determination. Shaffer's quote highlights the potential threat a doctor poses to passion – someone who, in the context of this quote, may have the ability to deliver a crushing diagnosis that shatters an individual's dreams and dampens their ardor.While passion is undoubtedly vulnerable, it is essential to recognize that it cannot be artificially manufactured. It arises organically from within a person, emerging from the depths of their being rather than being injected or created through external means. Therefore, a doctor or any external force lacks the power to directly create passion within an individual. The genesis of passion lies in one's profound connection to their ambitions and the intrinsic motivation that propels them forward.Here we introduce a philosophical concept that sheds further light on the complexities of passion – existentialism. According to this school of thought, the individual is the sole creator of their own meaning and purpose in life. Existentialists emphasize personal freedom and responsibility, urging us to take ownership of our choices and actions. In this context, one could argue that passion is a manifestation of our existential quest for meaning. It arises from our deep-seated need to find fulfillment and purpose in our endeavors, often in the face of an indifferent and unpredictable world.Existentialism also brings forth a contrasting viewpoint to Shaffer's quote. While passion can indeed be destroyed or dampened, its very vulnerability gives it room to grow and evolve. The existentialist lens highlights the potential for individuals to rediscover their passion, even after it has seemingly been extinguished. The journey towards reigniting passion may involve self-reflection, embracing new perspectives, or exploring alternative paths that align more closely with one's inner desires and values.In essence, Shaffer's quote prompts us to consider the fragility of passion and the potential impact external factors can have on it. Yet, by intertwining this idea with the philosophical concept of existentialism, we unearth a deeper understanding of passion's complexities. It is a force that cannot be artificially created, but one that emerges from within ourselves, driven by our pursuit of meaning and purpose. While vulnerability is part of passion's nature, it is also essential to recognize the boundless potential for its rekindling and growth.In conclusion, Peter Shaffer's thought-provoking quote invites us to reflect on the delicate nature of passion and its susceptibility to external factors. However, by expanding our perspective and introducing the philosophical concept of existentialism, we gain a broader understanding of the depths of passion. It is a force that cannot be created, only discovered and nurtured, and one that can rise from the ashes even after being seemingly destroyed. So, let us embrace our passions, protecting and cultivating them on the journey towards a life of purpose and fulfillment.