Sometimes, surely, truth is closer to imagination or to intelligence, to love than to fact? To be accurate is not to be right.
Shirley HazzardRead
One would always want to think of oneself as being on the side of love, ready to recognize it and wish it well -but, when confronted with it in others, one so often resented it, questioned its true nature, secretly dismissed the particular instance as folly or promiscuity. Was it merely jealousy, or a reluctance to admit so noble and enviable a sentiment in anyone but oneself?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the complexities of love, revealing how individuals often struggle to accept love in others while wanting it for themselves.
Shirley Hazzard's quote highlights the paradox of human emotional response to love; we aspire to be loving and recognize love in theory but frequently react negatively when we see it in others. This reaction may stem from feelings of jealousy or a discomfort with the notion that love is not exclusively our own experience, leading us to question its authenticity or dismiss it as folly. It underscores the human tendency to struggle with the purity of love in others while desiring it for ourselves.
Themes
LoveJealousyAcceptanceEmotionRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on relationships, this quote can be used to highlight the internal conflicts people face regarding love.
More from Shirley Hazzard
All quotes →The tragedy is not that love doesn't last. The tragedy is the love that lasts.
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