To love in the sense of passion-love is the contrary of to live. It is an impoverishment of one's being, an askesis without sequel, an inability to enjoy the present without imagining it as absent, a never-ending flight from possession.
Interpretation
True passion can sometimes lead to a depletion of present enjoyment, creating a longing for what is absent.
In this quote, Denis De Rougemont explores the idea that passionate love can consume an individual's entire being, leading to a state of lacking fulfillment in the present moment. This form of love, rather than enhancing life, often diminishes it by instilling a sense of perpetual longing and an inability to fully appreciate what one has, as the mind continuously retreats into fantasies of unattained desires.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about romantic relationships and the nature of passion.
Each time my heart is broken it makes me feel more adventurous (and how the same names keep recurring on that interminable list!), but one of these days there'll be nothing left with which to venture forth. Why should I share you? Why don't you get rid of someone else for a change?
We grow up hungry for love, and in ways so deep as to remain unexpressed we long for our Maker to love us.
A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.
Love is the ability and willingness to allow those that you care for to be what they choose for themselves without any insistence that they satisfy you.
You’re really cute, Midori,” I corrected myself. “What do you mean really cute?” “So cute the mountains crumble and the oceans dry up.
But, when the chips are down, its better to be furious with someone you love, or frightened for someone you love, than be put through the merciless horror of being ashamed of someone you love.
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