We must never expect discretion in first love: it is accompanied by such excessive joy that unless the joy is allowed to overflow, it will choke you.
Alexandre DumasRead
A weakened mind always sees everything through a black veil. The soul makes its own horizons; your soul is dark, which is why you see such a cloudy sky.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The way we perceive the world is heavily influenced by our state of mind and inner self.
This quote by Alexandre Dumas suggests that a pessimistic or weakened mind tends to perceive the world in a negative light, as if viewing it through a dark veil. It implies that our internal state—the condition of our soul—shapes our outlook on life and the opportunities we see, much like how a person's emotional wellbeing can affect their perspective of reality.
Themes
PerceptionMindsetNegativitySoulHorizons
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to inspire participants to change their mindset.
More from Alexandre Dumas
All quotes →There are two ways of seeing: with the body and with the soul. The body's sight can sometimes forget, but the soul remembers forever.
Alexandre DumasRead
I do not often laugh, sir, as you may perceive by the air of my countenance; but nevertheless, I retain the privilege of laughing when I please.
Alexandre DumasRead
There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness.
Alexandre DumasRead
Those born to wealth, and who have the means of gratifying every wish, know not what is the real happiness of life, just as those who have been tossed on the stormy waters of the ocean on a few frail planks can alone realize the blessings of fair weather.
Alexandre DumasRead
It is the way of weakened minds to see everything through a black cloud. The soul forms its own horizons; your soul is darkened, and consequently the sky of the future appears stormy and unpromising
Alexandre DumasRead
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