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Love is a word that is constantly heard, Hate is a word…

“Love is a word that is constantly heard, Hate is a word that is not. Love, I am told, is more precious that gold. Love, I have read, is hot. But hate is the verb that to me is superb, And love but a drug on the mart. Any kiddie in school can love like a fool, But hating, my boy, is an art.” quote by Ogden Nash
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““Love is a word that is constantly heard, Hate is a word that is not. Love, I am told, is more precious that gold. Love, I have read, is hot. But hate is the verb that to me is superb, And love but a drug on the mart. Any kiddie in school can love like a fool, But hating, my boy, is an art.””

Ogden Nash

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 contrasts love and hate, portraying love as common and sentimental while elevating hate as a skillful, powerful act, using hyperbole to challenge conventional morality.

In simple terms: Love is ordinary; hate is an art.

Key Takeaway

Hate is framed as a superior, deliberate craft.

Themes

contrasting emotions irony subversion of values hyperbole cultural critique

Mood

wry provocative satirical

Type

aphorism paradoxical statement

When to use this quote

  • debating moral values
  • creative writing
  • philosophical discussion
  • psychology of aggression

Key Concepts

emotional hierarchy social norms language power

Practical Applications

  • provoking thought on emotional intensity
  • illustrating rhetorical exaggeration

Questions to Reflect On

  • Does framing hate as an art glorify it?
  • How does irony affect the message?
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