A man can love too.' 'No; -- hardly. He can admire, and he…
““A man can love too.' 'No; -- hardly. He can admire, and he can like, and he can fondle and be fond. He can admire and approve, and perhaps worship. He can know of a woman that she is part of himself, the most sacred part, and therefore will protect her from the very winds. But all that will not make love. It does not come to a man that to be separated from a woman is to be dislocated from his very self. A man has but one centre, and that is himself. A woman has two. Though the second may never been seen by her, may live in the arms of another, may do all for that other that man can do for woman, -- still, still, though he be half the globe asunder from her, still he is to her the half of her existence. If she really love, there is, I fancy no end of it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A man’s love is limited to his own self; a woman’s love can extend beyond herself, creating a deeper, shared existence.
In simple terms: Men love themselves; women love beyond themselves.
Key Takeaway
Recognize differing love capacities.
Themes
love
gender
identity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- marriage
- parenthood
- friendship
Key Concepts
self‑centered
selfless
spiritual
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define love beyond gender?
- Can love be equally self‑less?
A Different Perspective
Assumes binary gender roles, may not fit modern perspectives.