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Ulysses was not comely, but he was eloquent, Yet he fired two goddesses of the sea with love
Soren Kierkegaard
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Even those who may not have physical attractiveness can possess a powerful charm through their words and actions.

This quote reflects the idea that true allure comes from more than just physical appearance; it emphasizes the significance of eloquence and the ability to communicate deeply. Ulysses, despite lacking conventional beauty, captivates two goddesses with his eloquence, illustrating that love can be sparked through intellect and expression rather than mere looks.

Themes

EloquenceLoveCharmAttractionUlysses

In practice

Example use cases

During a romantic dinner, one might quote this to highlight the power of words over appearance.

More from Soren Kierkegaard

Faith is the highest passion in a human being. Many in every generation may not come that far, but none comes further.
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How did I get into the world? Why was I not asked about it and why was I not informed of the rules and regulations but just thrust into the ranks as if I had been bought by a peddling shanghaier of human beings? How did I get involved in this big enterprise called actuality? Why should I be involved? Isn't it a matter of choice? And if I am compelled to be involved, where is the manager—I have something to say about this. Is there no manager? To whom shall I make my complaint?
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A possibility is a hint from God. One must follow it.
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And when the hourglass has run out, the hourglass of temporality, when the noise of secular life has grown silent and its restless or ineffectual activism has come to an end, when everything around you is still, as it is in eternity, then eternity asks you and every individual in these millions and millions about only one thing: whether you have lived in despair or not.
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I am so stupid that I cannot understand philosophy; the antithesis of this is that philosophy is so clever that it cannot comprehend my stupidity. These antitheses are mediated in a higher unity; in our common stupidity.
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