Liberty's in every blow! Let us do or die.
I want someone to laugh with me, someone to be grave with me, someone to please me and help my discrimination with his or her own remark, and at times, no doubt, to admire my acuteness and penetration.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a desire for a deep and multifaceted connection with a partner who complements and challenges one another.
In this quote, Robert Burns articulates the yearning for a companion who can share both joyful and serious moments. He emphasizes the importance of having someone who not only provides companionship but also engages in meaningful discussions, challenges one's thoughts, and appreciates one's insights. This suggests that true connection goes beyond surface-level interactions and requires a blend of emotional intimacy, intellectual stimulation, and mutual admiration.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a romantic setting, one might say this quote to express the depth they seek in their relationship.
More from Robert Burns
All quotes →I'm truly sorry man's dominion has broken Nature's social union.
Love's first snow-drop, virgin kiss.
All-cheering Plenty, with her flowing horn, Led yellow Autumn, wreath'd with nodding corn.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to min?
Apropos, is not the Scotch phrase 'Auld Lang Syne' exceedingly expressive? I shall give you the verses on the other sheet. The words of 'Auld Lang Syne' are good, but the music is an old air, the rudiments of the modern tune of that name. ... Dare to be honest and fear no labor. ... Opera is where a man gets stabbed in the back, and instead of dying, he sings. ... Chords that vibrate sweetest pleasure thrill the deepest notes of woe. ... Critics! Those cut-throat bandits in the paths of fame.
Similar quotes
But he doesn't love her. I invented that. It is a plot if you imagine people in love--the lazy looping criss crosses of love, blows, stares, tears. No. It doesn't happen. No love. People meet, touch, stare into one another's faces, shake their heads clear, move on, forget. It doesn't happen.
Love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. Just keep being friendly to that person. Just keep loving them, and they can't stand it too long. Oh, they react in many ways in the beginning. They react with guilt feelings, and sometimes they'll hate you a little more at that transition period, but just keep loving them. And by the power of your love they will break down under the load. That's love, you see. It is redemptive.
We cannot fight for love, as men may do; we shou'd be woo'd, and were not made to woo
You believe that a lover will bring you love, but it is your love that will bring you a lover.
My dearest life, I know you are not mine forever; but do love me even if it’s for this moment. After that I shall vanish into the forest where you cast me, I won’t ask anyone for anything again. Give me something that can last me till I die.
One can be very much in love with a woman without wishing to spend the rest of one's life with her.