Humanity is not perfect in any fashion; no more in the case of evil than in that of good. The criminal has his virtues, just as the honest man has his weaknesses.
Pierre Choderlos De LaclosRead
It has become necessary for me to have this woman, so as to save myself from the ridicule of being in love with her: for to what lengths will a man not be driven by thwarted desire?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The speaker feels compelled to pursue a romantic relationship to avoid embarrassment and reflects on the extremes one may go to for unfulfilled desire.
This quote from Pierre Choderlos De Laclos captures the complex interplay between desire and social perception. It highlights how intense emotions, particularly love, can drive individuals to take drastic measures to avoid ridicule or societal judgment, suggesting that the fear of being hurt or mocked can sometimes overshadow genuine feelings and lead to actions that may seem irrational.
Themes
LoveDesireRidiculeEmotionsRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a romantic gathering might use this quote to illustrate the lengths people go to in love.
More from Pierre Choderlos De Laclos
All quotes →Cast between the extremes of happiness and misfortune, uncertainty is a cruel torment.
Pierre Choderlos De LaclosRead
I am astonished at the pleasure one experiences in doing good; and I should be tempted to believe that what we call virtuous people have not so much merit as they lead us to suppose.
Pierre Choderlos De LaclosRead
It was there, in particular, that I confirmed the truth that love, which we cry up as the source of our pleasures, is nothing more than an excuse for them.
Pierre Choderlos De LaclosRead
...it is not for the illusion of a moment to govern the choice of a lifetime.
Pierre Choderlos De LaclosRead
How characteristic of your perverse heart that longs only for what happens to be out of reach.
Pierre Choderlos De LaclosRead
Similar quotes
Love gives life to the lifeless. Love lights a flame in the heart that is cold. Love brings hope to the hopeless and gladdens the hearts of the sorrowful. In the world of existence there is indeed no greater power than the power of love
Abdu'L-BahRead
He was like a song I'd heard once in fragments but had been singing in my mind ever since.
Arthur GoldenRead
I watched her die many times. In my way, not in hers. In sunlight, in shadow, by moonlight, by candlelight. In the long afternoons when the house was empty. Only the sun was there to keep us company. We shut him out. And why not? Very soon she was as eager for what's called loving as I was - more lost and drowned afterwards.
Jean RhysRead
Yes," replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, "but that was when I first knew her; for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.
Jane AustenRead
A new dog never replaces an old dog, it merely expands the heart.
Erica JongRead
My director, Jesus, does not teach me to count my acts, but to do everything for love, to refuse Him nothing, to be pleased when He gives me a chance to prove to Him that I love Him - but all this in peace - in abandonment.
Therese Of LisieuxRead