The poet is one who is able to keep the fresh vision of the child alive.
There are two ways to reach me: by way of kisses or by way of the imagination. But there is a hierarchy: the kisses alone don't work.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that true connection comes from emotional and imaginative bonds rather than just physical affection.
Anais Nin's quote reflects on the dual nature of intimacy and connection in relationships. It suggests that while physical affection, symbolized by 'kisses,' is important, it alone is insufficient for deep emotional engagement. Instead, the power of imagination—symbolizing understanding, creativity, and emotional connection—plays a superior role in fostering a meaningful relationship. This highlights the need for emotional depth and imagination to truly reach and understand one another at a profound level.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a romantic dinner, you could express how the bond you share is not only about physical moments but also about the dreams and imagination you share.
More from Anais Nin
All quotes →Anxiety is love's greatest killer, because it is like the stranglehold of the drowning.
We celebrate peace. Yet we pay no attention to the ways of curing aggression in human beings. And when one sees in psychoanalysis hostility disappearing as people conquer their fears, one wonders if the cure is not there.
The impetus to grow and live intensely is so powerful in me I cannot resist it. I will work, I will love my husband, but I will fulfill myself.
We have been poisoned by fairy tales.
But I lie. I embellish. My words are not deep enough. They disguise, they conceal. I will not rest until I have told of my descent into a sensuality which was as dark, as magnificent, as wild, as my moments of mystic creation have been dazzling, ecstatic, exalted.
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Love God, and do as you like, say the Free Spirits. Yes; but as long as you like anything contrary to God's will, you do not love Him.
Alyosha's heart could not bear uncertainty, for the nature of his love was always active. He could not love passively; once he loved, he immediately also began to help.
She was happy, and perfectly in line with the tradition of those women they used to call "ruined," "fallen," feckless, bitches in heat, ravished dolls, sweet sluts, instant princesses, hot numbers, great lays, succulent morsels, everybody's darlings . . .
Being single is wonderful and I love it. I don't ever have a morning where I wake up and say, 'I really need to find a boyfriend today.'
Almost everybody's happy to be a fool for love.