One can imagine the look the two lovers exchanged; it was like a flame, for virtuous lovers have not a shred of hypocrisy.
Honore De BalzacRead
However gross a man may be, the minute he expresses a strong and genuine affection, some inner secretion alters his features, animates his gestures, and colors his voice. The stupidest man will often, under the stress of passion, achieve heights of eloquence, in thought if not in language, and seem to move in some luminous sphere. Goriot's voice and gesture had at this moment the power of communication that characterizes the great actor. Are not our finer feelings the poems of the human will?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Genuine affection can transform a person, revealing their inner beauty and eloquence even in the most unexpected individuals.
This quote by Honore De Balzac suggests that love and strong emotions possess the power to enhance a person's demeanor, allowing them to express themselves with eloquence and intensity. Regardless of a person's outward appearance or perceived intelligence, the experience of genuine affection can elevate their presence, making them more animated and vibrant. Balzac implies that our deepest emotions and feelings are akin to poetry, reflecting the beauty of the human spirit and its will to connect.
Themes
LoveEmotionAffectionEloquenceTransformation
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about relationships, referencing this quote could help illustrate the transformative power of love.
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Imaginative, sanguine men will never recognize that in negotiations the most dangerous moment of all is when everything is moving according to their wishes.
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