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
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.
In practice
In a discussion about the motivations behind relationships at a social gathering.
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?
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.
Cast between the extremes of happiness and misfortune, uncertainty is a cruel torment.
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.
...it is not for the illusion of a moment to govern the choice of a lifetime.
How characteristic of your perverse heart that longs only for what happens to be out of reach.
We've got to learn hard things in our lifetime, but it's love that gives you the strength. It's being nice to people and having a lot of fun and laughing harder than anything, hopefully every single day of your life.
I have a terrific marriage, but unlike a lot of relationships where they ebb and flow, no matter what happens you fall deeper and deeper in love every day. It's kind of the best thing that can happen to you. It's thrilling.
We experience God to the extent to which we love, forgive, and focus on the good in others and ourselves.
She had the kind of fingers you want to interlace with your own.
I love where I'm from. I love the landscape because it is so beautiful, and I also love the people of my community, the people whose stories I'm trying to tell.
Selfish persons are incapable of loving others, but they are not capable of loving themselves either.
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