Love consists in leaving the loved one space to be themselves while providing the security within which that self may flourish.
Tony JudtRead
Love, it seems to me, is that condition in which one is most contentedly oneself.
Interpretation
Love allows individuals to be their true selves while experiencing deep contentment.
In this quote, Tony Judt expresses the idea that love creates an environment where people can fully embrace their authentic selves. When one is in love, there is a sense of safety and acceptance that fosters inner peace and fulfillment, allowing individuals to be genuinely who they are without fear of judgment.
In practice
In a wedding speech celebrating love and partnership.
Love consists in leaving the loved one space to be themselves while providing the security within which that self may flourish.
If active or concerned citizens forfeit politics, they thereby abandon their society to its most mediocre and venal public servants
Obviously a primary liberal conviction is that we should be tolerant of other peoples' convictions. But if we believe in something, we had better find ways to say so convincingly.
Social democracy does not represent an ideal future; it does not even represent the ideal past.
What I am against is false optimism: the notion either that things have to go well, or else that they tend to, or else that the default condition of historical trajectories is characteristically beneficial in the long-run.
I'm not sure I've learned anything new about life; but I've had to think harder about death and what comes after for other people.
When we are generous in welcoming people and sharing something with them-some food, a place in our homes, our time-not only do we no longer remain poor: we are enriched.
If ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were loved by wife, then thee.
If you were a boy and a girl and you were in love with each other, really, properly in love, and if you could show it, then the people who run Hailsham, they sorted it out for you. They sorted it out so you could have a few years together before you began your donations.
Of course, true love is exceptional - two or three times a century, more or less. The rest of the time there is vanity or boredom.
True love is that which ennobles the personality, fortifies the heart, and sanctifies the existence.
Their silence comfortable. Something unfolding. But what? Not love, which wrenched and wounded. Not love, which came only once.
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