There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging principles of human nature.
Washington IrvingRead
There are moments of mingled sorrow and tenderness, which hallow the caresses of affection.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the bittersweet nature of love and affection, where sorrow enhances the value of tenderness.
Washington Irving emphasizes the complex emotional landscape of love, where moments of sorrow intertwine with tenderness. These moments elevate the significance of affection, suggesting that true intimacy is often marked by vulnerability and a recognition of both joy and pain within relationships.
Themes
LoveAffectionSorrowTendernessRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
In a wedding speech to highlight the complexity of love.
More from Washington Irving
All quotes βThere is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.
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Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.
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Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.
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The easiest thing to do, whenever you fail, is to put yourself down by blaming your lack of ability for your misfortunes.
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If I can, by a lucky chance, in these uneasy days, rub out one wrinkle from the brow of care, or beguile the heavy heart of one moment of sadness; if I can, how and then, prompt a happier view of human nature, and make my reader more in good humor with his fellow-beings and himself, surely, I shall not have written in vain.
Washington IrvingRead
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