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It was hard for a man and a woman to be fiends with no…

“It was hard for a man and a woman to be fiends with no under thought or glimpsed prospect of sex. They wanted to be friends. It was almost a matter of principle. She was as intelligent as any Fellow of King's - though he thought she did not know it - he was in love with her mind as it followed…” quote by A.S. Byatt
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““It was hard for a man and a woman to be fiends with no under thought or glimpsed prospect of sex. They wanted to be friends. It was almost a matter of principle. She was as intelligent as any Fellow of King's - though he thought she did not know it - he was in love with her mind as it followed clues through labyrinths. Love is, among many other things, a response to energy, and Griselda's mind was precise and energetic. He wanted to make love to her too.””

A.S. Byatt

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Intellectual connection can outweigh physical desire, leading to love rooted in mental engagement.

In simple terms: Love can be based on mind, not just sex.

Key Takeaway

Value intellectual chemistry in relationships.

Themes

love intelligence desire

Mood

thoughtful introspective

Type

literary romantic

When to use this quote

  • friendship
  • academic collaboration
  • creative partnership

Key Concepts

psychology philosophy romance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does intellectual compatibility shape love?
  • Can love thrive without physical intimacy?
A Different Perspective

Physical attraction often remains important; not all prioritize intellect.

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