To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Her cheeks were flushed. She caught hold of the Savage's arm and pressed it, limp, against her side. He looked down at her for a moment, pale, pained, desiring, and ashamed of his desire. He was not worthy, not... Their eyes for a moment met. What treasures hers promised! A queen's ransom of temperament. Hastily he looked away, disengaged his imprisoned arm. He was obscurely terrified lest she should cease to be something he could feel himself unworthy of.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote explores the complexities of desire, worthiness, and emotional connection in a romantic context.
In this passage, Aldous Huxley delves into the intense emotions of a character who feels an overwhelming desire for another, yet struggles with feelings of inadequacy and shame. The interplay between affection and unworthiness reflects the human condition of longing for connection while fearing vulnerability, capturing the depth of romantic emotions and the anxiety that can accompany them. The moment of eye contact symbolizes a profound but potentially daunting bond, making the character retreat into self-doubt instead of embracing the opportunity for intimacy.
Themes
LoveDesireWorthinessConnectionEmotion
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a discussion about the challenges of romantic relationships.
More from Aldous Huxley
All quotes →Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
Aldous HuxleyRead
In the course of history many more people have died for their drink and their dope than have died for their religion or their country.
Aldous HuxleyRead
On no account brood over your wrongdoing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean.
Aldous HuxleyRead
No man ever dared to manifest his boredom so insolently as does a Siamese tomcat when he yawns in the face of his amorously importunate wife.
Aldous HuxleyRead
The leech's kiss, the squid's embrace, The prurient ape's defiling touch: And do you like the human race? No, not much.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Similar quotes
May Thy Love shine forever on the sanctuary of my devotion. And may I be able to awaken Thy love in all hearts.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
It's strange that words are so inadequate. Yet, like the asthmatic struggling for breath, so the lover must struggle for words.
T. S. EliotRead
Mother's love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved.
Erich FrommRead
As Marilee and I were dressing, I whispered to her that I loved her with all my heart. What else was there to say? 'You don't. You can't,' she said.
Kurt VonnegutRead
The most important fact is that gays have been here since day one. To say otherwise is a gross denial and stupidity. We played an enormous part in the history of America.
Larry KramerRead
I have never dreamed of being a princess. I have not longed for Prince Charming. I have and do long for something resembling a happily ever after. I am supposed to be above such flights of fantasy, but I am not. I am enamored of fairy tales.
Roxane GayRead