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We may sooner be brought to love them that hate us, than them that love us more than we would have them do.
Francois De La Rochefoucauld
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Interpretation

What this quote means

It's easier to develop feelings for those who dislike us than to respond to those who love us more than we expect.

This quote suggests that human emotions are complex. It implies that we often feel more compelled to connect with those who challenge us or oppose us rather than fully appreciating the love and affection offered by those close to us. It speaks to the paradox of human relationships, where we may take love for granted while being intrigued by animosity or discontent.

Themes

RelationshipsLoveHateEmotionHuman Nature

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about complex relationships, this quote can illustrate the strange dynamics between love and hate.

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Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.
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The defects and faults of the mind are like wounds in the body; after all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind, and they are in continual danger of breaking the skin and bursting out again.
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To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.
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