It has become necessary for me to have this woman, so as to save myself from the ridicule of being in love with her: for to what lengths will a man not be driven by thwarted desire?
Pierre Choderlos De LaclosRead
It was there, in particular, that I confirmed the truth that love, which we cry up as the source of our pleasures, is nothing more than an excuse for them.
Interpretation
Love serves as a justification for our pleasures rather than being the true source of happiness.
In this quote, Pierre Choderlos De Laclos reflects on the nature of love, suggesting that while we often elevate love to a position of ultimate importance in our lives, it is actually a mere pretext for seeking pleasure and fulfillment. This viewpoint challenges the romanticized notion of love, urging us to examine the deeper motivations behind our pursuits of joy and connection.
In practice
In a discussion about the motivations behind relationships at a social gathering.
It has become necessary for me to have this woman, so as to save myself from the ridicule of being in love with her: for to what lengths will a man not be driven by thwarted desire?
Humanity is not perfect in any fashion; no more in the case of evil than in that of good. The criminal has his virtues, just as the honest man has his weaknesses.
Cast between the extremes of happiness and misfortune, uncertainty is a cruel torment.
I am astonished at the pleasure one experiences in doing good; and I should be tempted to believe that what we call virtuous people have not so much merit as they lead us to suppose.
...it is not for the illusion of a moment to govern the choice of a lifetime.
How characteristic of your perverse heart that longs only for what happens to be out of reach.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist.
What is a loving heart? A loving heart is sensitive to the whole of life, to all persons; a loving heart doesn't harden itself to any persons or things.
O Love! what hours were thine and mine, In lands of palm and southern pine; In lands of palm, of orange-blossom, Of olive, aloe, and maize and vine!
And the coolness of your smile is stirringofbirds between my arms
For thou hast given me in this beauteous face A world of earthly blessings to my soul, If sympathy of love unite our thoughts.
Go home and say to yourself, βI am a wayward, foolish child. But He loves me! I have disobeyed and grieved Him ten thousand times. But He loves me! I have lost faith in some of my dearest friends and am very desolate. But He loves me! I do not love Him, I am even angry with Him! But He loves me!
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