Only then does he realize what he has done to Mirabelle, how wanting a square inch of her and not all of her has damaged them both, and how he cannot justify his actions except that, well, it was life.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the consequences of craving only a part of someone without fully appreciating them, leading to regret in a relationship.
This quote by Steve Martin explores the complexity of relationships and the realization that a limited desire can cause significant harm. The speaker recognizes that by wanting only a small portion of Mirabelle rather than embracing her entire being, he has not only hurt her but also himself. This moment of reflection highlights the necessity of understanding and valuing a partner wholly, rather than superficially.
In practice
During a discussion on love and commitment, this quote can illustrate the need for deeper emotional connections within relationships.
When I first started doing my comedy act, I just desperately needed material. So I took literally everything I knew how to do on stage with me, which was juggling, magic and banjo and my little comedy routines. I always felt the audience sorta tolerated the serious musical parts while I was doing my comedy.
You want to be a bit compulsive in your art or craft or whatever you do.
I have heard it said that a complicated childhood can lead to a life in the arts. I tell you this story of my father and me to let you know I am qualified to be a comedian.
...it is not the big events that hurt the most but rather the smallest questionable shift in tone at the end of a spoken word that can plow most deeply into the heart.
Reviews for someone like me come in three packages. One is justifiable praise, the second is justifiable criticism, and the third is, "This is only published because he's a celebrity."
If he thinks he would harm Mirabelle, he would back away. But he does not yet understand when and how people are hurt. He doesn't understand the subtleties of slights and pains, that it is not the big events that hurt the most but rather the smallest questionable shift in tone at the end of a spoken word that can plow most deeply into the heart.
Lord, protect me from my friends; I can take care of my enemies.
The names of persons and living creatures demand respect, because when we speak to them we touch their heart and become a part of thier life force.
Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties.
you may fume and fidget as you please: but this is the best plan to pursue with you, I am certain. I like you more than I can say; but I’ll not sink into a bathos of sentiment: and with this needle of repartee I’ll keep you from the edge of the gulf too; and, moreover, maintain by its pungent aid that distance between you and myself most conducive to our real mutual advantage.
I certainly respect the belief of the Hobby Lobby owners. On the other hand, they have no constitutional right to foist that belief on the hundreds and hundreds of women who work for them who don't share that belief.
We put stereotypes on ourselves. Everybody does that. But I think it's just a little harder for black kids to just be who they are.
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