What a test that is: more than devotion, admiration, passion. If you long and long for someone’s company you love them.
Iris MurdochRead
No love is entirely without worth, even when the frivolous calls to the frivolous and the base to the base.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Every form of love has its value, even if it seems shallow or undeserving.
Iris Murdoch's quote emphasizes that all expressions of love, regardless of their depth or seriousness, hold some intrinsic value. She suggests that even love that appears trivial or is formed between individuals of low character still contributes to the broader tapestry of human relationships and emotional experiences.
Themes
LoveWorthRelationshipsValueEmotion
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on the importance of supporting all forms of love, one might reference this quote to highlight love's intrinsic value.
More from Iris Murdoch
All quotes →The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart.
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Man's creative struggle, his search for wisdom and truth, is a love story.
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All art deals with the absurd and aims at the simple. Good art speaks truth, indeed is truth, perhaps the only truth.
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A bad review is even less important than whether it is raining in Patagonia.
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Perhaps when distant people on other planets pick up some wavelength of ours all they hear is a continuous scream.
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Similar quotes
I do not love; I do not love anybody except myself. That is a rather shocking thing to admit. I have none of the selfless love of my mother. I have none of the plodding, practical love. . . . . I am, to be blunt and concise, in love only with myself, my puny being with its small inadequate breasts and meager, thin talents. I am capable of affection for those who reflect my own world.
Sylvia PlathRead
Love has no age as it is always renewing itself.
Blaise PascalRead
As I hope_x000D_ _x000D_ For quiet days, fair issue, and long life,_x000D_ _x000D_ With such love as 'tis now, the murkiest den,_x000D_ _x000D_ The most opportune place, the strong'st suggestion_x000D_ _x000D_ Our worser genius can, shall never melt_x000D_ _x000D_ Mine honour into lust, to take away_x000D_ _x000D_ The edge of that day's celebration,_x000D_ _x000D_ When I shall think or Phoebus' steeds are founder'd_x000D_ _x000D_ Or Night kept chain'd below.
William ShakespeareRead
The chemistry of mind is different from the chemistry of love. The mind is careful, suspicious, he advances little by little. He advises “Be careful, protect yourself” Whereas love says “Let yourself, go!” The mind is strong, never falls down, while love hurts itself, falls into ruins. But isn’t it in ruins that we mostly find the treasures? A broken heart hides so many treasures.
Shams TabriziRead
The will of God, to which the law gives expression, is that men should defeat their enemies by loving them.
Dietrich BonhoefferRead
Paying attention is the most basic and profound expression of love.
Tara BrachRead