You need not fear me, for I not only should think it wrong…
“You need not fear me, for I not only should think it wrong to marry a man that was deficient in sense or in principle, but I should never be tempted to do it; for I could not like him, if he were ever so handsome, and ever so charming, in other respects; I should hate him—despise him—pity him—anything but love him. My affections not only ought to be founded on approbation, but they will and must be so: for, without approving, I cannot love. It is needless to say, I ought to be able to respect and honour the man I marry, as well as love him, for I cannot love him without.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Love must be based on respect and approval, not merely attraction; without genuine respect, love cannot exist.
In simple terms: Love requires respect, not just attraction.
Key Takeaway
Seek relationships built on mutual respect.
Themes
love
marriage
respect
approval
Mood
reflective
pragmatic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- courtship advice
- marriage counseling
- personal boundaries
Key Concepts
ethical love
personal integrity
relationship dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance should exist between reason and emotion in love?
- How does respect evolve in long‑term relationships?
A Different Perspective
The perspective may be overly rational, ignoring emotional complexity.