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You can know a thing to death and be for all purposes…

“You can know a thing to death and be for all purposes completely ignorant of it. A man can know his father, or his son, and there might still be nothing between them but loyalty and love and mutual incomprehension.” quote by Marilynne Robinson
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““You can know a thing to death and be for all purposes completely ignorant of it. A man can know his father, or his son, and there might still be nothing between them but loyalty and love and mutual incomprehension.””

Marilynne Robinson

About This Quote

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

Deep knowledge can coexist with fundamental mystery; even intimate relationships are bound by love and loyalty despite incomprehension.

In simple terms: Intimacy holds despite ignorance.

Key Takeaway

Love transcends understanding.

Themes

knowledge mystery family loyalty love incomprehension

Mood

contemplative melancholic

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • parent‑child dynamics
  • spousal relationships
  • friendships
  • mentor‑mentee bonds

Key Concepts

epistemology human connection emotional resilience

Practical Applications

  • counseling
  • literary analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to truly know someone?
  • Can love survive without full understanding?
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