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Love may, indeed, love the beloved when her beauty is lost: but not because it is lost. Love may forgive all infirmities and love still in spite of them: but Love cannot cease to will their removal. Love is more sensitive than hatred itself to every blemish in the beloved… Of all powers he forgives most, but he condones least: he is pleased with little, but demands all.
C. S. Lewis
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True love endures beyond physical appearances and imperfections, yet still desires improvement and perfection in the beloved.

C. S. Lewis highlights the profound nature of love, suggesting that while love can overlook flaws and imperfections, it inherently yearns for the beloved to grow and improve. Love is not blind to the shortcomings of the beloved; rather, it is acutely aware of them and wishes for their betterment, illustrating a balance between acceptance and an aspiration for perfection.

Themes

LoveBeautyForgivenessImperfectionDemandAcceptance

In practice

Example use cases

During a wedding speech when discussing the depth of true love.

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Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
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Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
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I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
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The instrument through which you see God is your whole self. And if a man's self is not kept clean and bright, his glimpse of God will be blurred
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