But what is Hope? Nothing but the paint on the face of Existence; the least touch of truth rubs it off, and then we see what a hollow-cheeked harlot we have got hold of.
Lord ByronRead
Romances I ne'er read like those I have seen.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Real-life romances can be more profound and impactful than fictional ones.
Lord Byron reflects on the nature of love and romance, suggesting that the experiences and emotions derived from real relationships are far more significant and intense than those found within the pages of novels. This perspective highlights the value of lived experiences over imagined stories, underscoring the unique beauty and drama of real-life love.
Themes
RomanceLoveExperienceRealityFiction
In practice
Example use cases
During a wedding toast, to emphasize the beauty of real love over stories.
More from Lord Byron
All quotes →It is the lava of the imagination whose eruption prevents an earthquake.
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For what were all these country patriots born? To hunt, and vote, and raise the price of corn?
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Absence - that common cure of love.
Lord ByronRead
Her great merit is finding out mine; there is nothing so amiable as discernment.
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But words are things, and a small drop of ink, Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.
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