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No one ought even to desert a woman after throwing her a…

“No one ought even to desert a woman after throwing her a heap of gold in her distress! He ought to love her forever! You are young, only twenty-one, and kind and upright and fine. You'll ask me how a woman can take money from a man. Oh, God, isn't it natural to share everything with the one we owe…” quote by Honoré de Balzac
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““No one ought even to desert a woman after throwing her a heap of gold in her distress! He ought to love her forever! You are young, only twenty-one, and kind and upright and fine. You'll ask me how a woman can take money from a man. Oh, God, isn't it natural to share everything with the one we owe all our happiness to? When one has given everything, how can one quibble about a mere portion of it? Money is important only when feeling has ceased. Isn't one bound for life? How can you foresee separation when you think someone loves you? When a man swears eternal love--how can there be any separate concerns in that case?””

Honoré de Balzac

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 argues that true love and devotion outweigh material concerns, suggesting that wealth is secondary to emotional bonds.

In simple terms: Love trumps money.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize love over wealth.

Themes

love selflessness materialism

Mood

romantic philosophical

Type

advice cautionary

When to use this quote

  • marriage
  • financial dependence
  • family obligations

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics human relationships

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can love truly replace financial security?
  • How do you balance affection and practicality?
A Different Perspective

Idealizing love may ignore practical realities.

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