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?
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Love serves as a justification for our pleasures rather than being the true source of happiness.
In this quote, Pierre Choderlos De Laclos reflects on the nature of love, suggesting that while we often elevate love to a position of ultimate importance in our lives, it is actually a mere pretext for seeking pleasure and fulfillment. This viewpoint challenges the romanticized notion of love, urging us to examine the deeper motivations behind our pursuits of joy and connection.
Themes
LovePleasureHappinessTruthJustification
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the motivations behind relationships at a social gathering.
More from Pierre Choderlos De Laclos
All quotes βHumanity 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.
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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 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
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