“What a mistake to suppose that the passions are strongest in youth! The passions are not stronger, but the control over them is weaker! They are more easily excited, they are more violent and apparent; but they have less energy, less durability, less intense and concentrated power than in the mature life.”
The idea behind the quotation
Youthful passions may be easier to stir and more visible, but they are less lasting and powerful; young people mainly have less control over them.