When it aims to express a love of the world it refuses to conceal the many reasons why the world is hard to love, though we must love it because we have no other, and to fail to love it is not to exist at all.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the necessity of loving the world despite its challenges, as love is essential for existence.
Mark Van Doren's quote highlights the complexity of love, particularly towards the world. It acknowledges that while there are numerous reasons to find the world difficult to love, it is imperative to cultivate that love as it is fundamental to our existence. In essence, the refusal to love the world equates to a denial of life itself, suggesting that love is a vital force that connects us to our reality.
In practice
In a speech about environmentalism, to inspire a perspective shift towards loving our planet despite its flaws.
It’s a curious thing. I suppose most people think of artists as impatient but I don’t know of any first-rate artist who hasn’t manifested in his career an appalling patience, a willingness to wait and to do his best now in the expectation that next year he will do better.
Any piece of knowledge I acquire today has a value at this moment exactly proportional to my skill to deal with it. Tomorrow, when I know more, I recall that piece of knowledge and use it better.
They were within twenty yards of each other, and so abrupt was his appearance, that it was impossible to avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush. He absolutely started, and for a moment seemed immoveable from surprise; but shortly recovering himself, advanced towards the party, and spoke to Elizabeth, if not in terms of perfect composure, at least of perfect civility.
Love me sweet With all thou art Feeling, thinking, seeing; Love me in the Lightest part, Love me in full Being.
...if you ever wonder what you've done in your life, and everyone does wonder sooner or later, you have been God's grace to me, a miracle, something more than a miracle.
You have to give others the opportunity to love who you love. If they don't accept it, it's their loss.
To return to love, to get the love we always wanted but never had, to have the love we want but are not prepared to give, we seek romantic relationships. We believe these relationships, more than any other, will rescue and redeem us. True love does have the power to redeem but only if we are ready for redemption. Love saves us only if we want to be saved.
All love that has not friendship for its base, is like a mansion built upon the sand.
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