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If you were blind you would hardly have fallen in love in…

“If you were blind you would hardly have fallen in love in the first place. But now, do you truly wish to see the beloved in the cold clarity of the visual apparatus? It may be in your better interest to throw a veil over the gaze, so as to keep her alive in her archetypal, goddesslike form.” quote by J. M. Coetzee
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“If you were blind you would hardly have fallen in love in the first place. But now, do you truly wish to see the beloved in the cold clarity of the visual apparatus? It may be in your better interest to throw a veil over the gaze, so as to keep her alive in her archetypal, goddesslike form.”

J. M. Coetzee

About This Quote

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

The quote warns that seeing a loved one too clearly can destroy the idealized image that sustains affection, suggesting that some mystery preserves love.

In simple terms: Seeing too clearly can ruin love.

Key Takeaway

Preserve mystery in relationships.

Themes

love idealization perception relationships goddess archetype

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

literary philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • marriage
  • long‑term partnership
  • artistic creation
  • personal introspection

Key Concepts

Romantic idealism objectification human desire

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you think love needs mystery?
  • How does idealization affect intimacy?
A Different Perspective

Love may fade when reality replaces fantasy.

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