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The process of putting Haarlem behind him resembled the…

“The process of putting Haarlem behind him resembled the changes a man goes through when he divorces. He takes a girl friend to forget his wife, but just doing that prolongs the connection with the wife. Possibly things will work out only with the next girl friend - although the third one has the…” quote by Harry Mulisch
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““The process of putting Haarlem behind him resembled the changes a man goes through when he divorces. He takes a girl friend to forget his wife, but just doing that prolongs the connection with the wife. Possibly things will work out only with the next girl friend - although the third one has the best chance. Boundaries have to be continuously sealed off, but it's a hopeless job, fore everything touches everything else in this world. A beginning never disappears, not even with the ending.””

Harry Mulisch

About This Quote

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

Divorce parallels a continual process of setting boundaries, yet connections persist because everything is interlinked.

In simple terms: Boundaries are fragile; connections linger.

Key Takeaway

Accept the difficulty of fully severing ties.

Themes

relationships boundaries interconnectedness

Mood

melancholic thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • breakups
  • family dynamics
  • personal healing
  • social networks

Key Concepts

psychology attachment human behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can you find healthy ways to maintain boundaries?
  • What does “a beginning never disappears” mean to you?
A Different Perspective

Complete separation may be impossible; emotional entanglements remain.

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