What if sometimes there is no choice about what to love?…
““What if sometimes there is no choice about what to love? What if the temple comes to Mohammed? What if you just love? Without deciding? You just do: you see her and in that instant are lost to sober account-keeping and cannot choose but to love? Marath's sniff held disdain: "Then in such a case your temple is self and sentiment. Then in such an instance you are a fanatic of desire, a slave to your individual subjective narrow self's sentiments; a citizen of nothing. You become a citizen of nothing. You are by yourself and alone, kneeling to yourself. In a case such as this you become the slave who believes he is free. The most pathetic of bondage. Not tragic. No songs. You believe you would die twice for another but in truth would die only for your alone self, its sentiment".””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage explores the paradox of love as an involuntary, self‑absorbed desire that masquerades as freedom but is actually a form of self‑enslavement.
In simple terms: Love can feel like a loss of control, turning us into slaves to our own feelings.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when love becomes self‑centered and seek authentic connection.
Themes
love
self
awareness
freedom
enslavement
Mood
conflicted
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- romantic relationships
- personal introspection
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
existentialism
subjectivity
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you love for yourself or for another?
- How can love be both freeing and imprisoning?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the possibility of altruistic love that transcends self‑interest.