Who said “It is said that desire is a product of the will, but the converse is in fact true: will…”?

Verified

Denis Diderot. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceElements of Physiology (1875), "Will, Freedom”

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“It is said that desire is a product of the will, but the converse is in fact true: will is a product of desire.”
VerifiedElements of Physiology (1875), "Will, Freedom” · evidenceDesire
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Elements of Physiology (1875), "Will, Freedom”.

APA

Diderot, D. (n.d.). It is said that desire is a product of the will, but the converse is in fact true: will is a product of desire. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13281-it-is-said-that-desire-is-a-product/

MLA

Diderot, Denis. “It is said that desire is a product of the will, but the converse is in fact true: will is a product of desire.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13281-it-is-said-that-desire-is-a-product/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Diderot, Denis. “It is said that desire is a product of the will, but the converse is in fact true: will is a product of desire.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13281-it-is-said-that-desire-is-a-product/.