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Love is a certain inborn suffering derived from the sight…

“Love is a certain inborn suffering derived from the sight of and excessive meditation upon the beauty of the opposite sex, which causes each one to wish above all things the embraces of the other and by common desire to carry out all of love's precepts in the other's embrace.” quote by Andreas Capellanus
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““Love is a certain inborn suffering derived from the sight of and excessive meditation upon the beauty of the opposite sex, which causes each one to wish above all things the embraces of the other and by common desire to carry out all of love's precepts in the other's embrace.””

Andreas Capellanus

About This Quote

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

Love is portrayed as an innate suffering caused by intense admiration, driving desire for union and fulfillment of love’s duties.

In simple terms: Love causes suffering and longing for union.

Key Takeaway

Accept love’s pain as part of its power.

Themes

suffering desire union

Mood

poetic introspective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • courtship
  • artistic inspiration

Key Concepts

medieval courtly love psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does admiration become suffering?
  • Can love be joyful without pain?
A Different Perspective

Romanticizing suffering can lead to unhealthy obsession.

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