QuoteProject
It's strange that words are so inadequate. Yet, like the asthmatic struggling for breath, so the lover must struggle for words.
T. S. Eliot
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the difficulty of expressing deep feelings through words, comparing it to a struggle for breath.

T. S. Eliot's quote highlights the inadequacy of language when it comes to conveying profound emotions, specifically love. Just as a person with asthma faces a struggle to breathe, a lover often finds it challenging to articulate their innermost feelings, emphasizing the gap between experience and expression.

Themes

WordsLoveExpressionInadequateStruggle

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote during a wedding speech to illustrate the beauty and challenge of expressing love.

More from T. S. Eliot

There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
T. S. EliotRead
I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
T. S. EliotRead
If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
T. S. EliotRead
For I have known them all already, known them allβ€” Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
T. S. EliotRead
In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
T. S. EliotRead

Similar quotes

Unselfish love does not exploit its object and it does not ask for anything in return.
Aiden Wilson TozerRead
Love is the only thing that increases twofold every time it is shared.
Albert SchweitzerRead
The greatest lie ever told about love is that it sets you free.
Zadie SmithRead
So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.
Paulo CoelhoRead
If in the twilight of memory we should meet once more,we shall speak again together and you shall sing to me a deeper song. And if our hands should meet in another dream we shall build another tower in the sky.
Khalil GibranRead
The truly good gaze upon everything with love and understanding.
Dalai LamaRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.