This passage from Honore de Balzac's "Father Goriot" beautifully captures the transformative power of genuine affection and passion in human beings. It suggests that no matter how coarse or unrefined a person may seem, authentic emotion has the ability to transcend superficial limitations and reveal a deeper, more profound humanity. The metaphor of an "inner secretion" altering one's features is particularly striking — it implies that love or passion isn't just a mental or emotional experience but a physical change that radiates outward, impacting every aspect of one's presence and expression.

Moreover, the quote emphasizes that passion can elevate even the most intellectually challenged individuals, enabling them to express themselves with an eloquence and brightness that might normally be out of reach. This idea celebrates the universality and democratizing nature of emotions; we are all capable of beauty and profound expression when moved to our core.

The comparison to a great actor underscores the idea that communication is not merely about words but involves the whole being—gestures, tone, expression. Balzac’s reflection touches on an intrinsic humanity where our "finer feelings" become poetic expressions of the will itself. In other words, our deepest emotions and desires drive us to communicate with authenticity and artistry, turning emotion into an act of creation.

This quote invites readers to reconsider preconceived notions about people’s capabilities and to recognize the eloquence hidden within genuine emotion. It resonates as a tribute to the power of the human spirit and affection as forces that ennoble and transform, reminding us of the exquisite poetry found in our heartfelt experiences.