We are slow to believe that which if believed would hurt our feelings.
OvidRead
Thus I am not able to exist either with you or without you; and I seem not to know my own wishes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a deep emotional conflict and dependency on someone else.
In this quote, Ovid captures the paradox of love where one feels incomplete without their beloved, yet may also struggle with their own desires and identity. This highlights the complex and often tumultuous emotions that arise in romantic relationships, where attachment can lead to confusion about one's own wishes and sense of self.
Themes
LoveDependencyIdentityEmotionsRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
During a wedding speech to emphasize the depth of love between the couple.
More from Ovid
All quotes βAll things human hang by a slender thread; and that which seemed to stand strong suddenly falls and sinks in ruins.
OvidRead
A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or a yawn; it can be stabbed to death by a quip and worried to death by a frown on the right man's brow.
OvidRead
Fas est ab hoste doceri._x000D_ One should learn even from one's enemies.
OvidRead
Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you.
OvidRead
The end doesn't justify the means.
OvidRead
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Until I lose my soul and lie Blind to the beauty of the earth, Deaf though shouting wind goes by, Dumb in a storm of mirth; Until my heart is quenched at length And I have left the land of men, Oh, let me love with all my strength Careless if I am loved again.
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We are about to part," said Neville. "Here are the boxes; here are the cabs. There is Percival in his billycock hat. He will forget me. He will leave my letters lying about among guns and dogs unaswered. I shall send him poems and he will perhaps reply with a picture post card. But it is for that that I love him. I shall propose a meeting - under a clock, by some Cross; and shall wait and he will not come. It is for that that I love him.
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Kiss me with rain on your eyelashes, come on, let us sway together, under the trees, and to hell with thunder.
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