One can acquire everything in solitude except character.
StendhalRead
To be loved at first sight, a man should have at the same time something to respect and something to pity in his face.
Interpretation
True admiration stems from a blend of respect and empathy.
Stendhal suggests that genuine love at first sight arises not only from admiration but also from the complexity of human emotion, which entails recognizing both admirable qualities and vulnerabilities in a person's appearance. This duality creates a deeper connection that transcends mere physical attraction, inviting a unique form of affection based on respect and compassion.
In practice
In a romantic speech at a wedding, one might use this quote to express the beauty of complex emotions in relationships.
One can acquire everything in solitude except character.
True love makes the thought of death frequent, easy, without terrors; it merely becomes the standard of comparison, the price one would pay for many things.
In love, unlike most other passions, the recollection of what you have had and lost is always better than what you can hope for in the future.
A very small degree of hope is sufficient to cause the birth of love.
If you don't love me, it does not matter, anyway I can love for both of us.
Pleasure is often spoiled by describing it.
Fear secretes acids; but love and trust are sweet juices.
If Marilyn is in love with my husband it proves she has good taste, for I am in love with him too.
Love was the key to understanding all of the mysteries.
Love conquers in the long run. It won't do to become impatient - wait, wait - patience is bound to give success. . . .
His wedding gift, clasped round my throat. A choker of rubies, two inches wide, like an extraordinarily precious slit throat.
But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. This is rare and pure and perfect.
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