I was guilty and irritated and full of love and pain. I wanted to kick him and I wanted to take him in my arms.
James A. BaldwinRead
But loneliness is as delusive a belief in the pertinence of the world as is love: in choosing to feel lonely, as in choosing to love, one carves a space next to oneself to be filled by others - a friend, a lover, a toy poodle, a violinist on the radio.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Loneliness and love are both choices that affect our emotional landscape and invite connections with others.
In this quote, Yiyun Li highlights the duality of loneliness and love as emotional choices that shape our reality. Both states create a personal space that can be filled with meaningful connections, whether it is with a friend, a romantic partner, a pet, or even art, emphasizing that the act of reaching out to others is fundamental to overcoming isolation and enriching our lives.
Themes
LonelinessLoveRelationshipsConnectionEmotion
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about mental health and the importance of social connections, this quote can emphasize the impact of loneliness.
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