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As to our going on together as we were going, in a sort of…

“As to our going on together as we were going, in a sort of friendly way, the people round us would have made it unable to continue. Their views of the relations of man and woman are limited, as is proved by their expelling me from the school. Their philosophy only recognizes relations based on…” quote by Thomas Hardy
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““As to our going on together as we were going, in a sort of friendly way, the people round us would have made it unable to continue. Their views of the relations of man and woman are limited, as is proved by their expelling me from the school. Their philosophy only recognizes relations based on animal desire. The wide field of strong attachment where desire plays, at least, only a secondary part, is ignored by them—the part of—who is it?—Venus Urania.””

Thomas Hardy

About This Quote

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

He critiques society’s narrow, animalistic view of gender relations, longing for a higher, spiritual love beyond mere desire.

In simple terms: Society limits love to physical desire, ignoring deeper spiritual bonds.

Key Takeaway

Seek love that transcends physical desire.

Themes

gender society spirituality love philosophy

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • marriage
  • friendship
  • artistic collaboration
  • social critique

Key Concepts

human nature gender roles spiritual love

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we nurture spiritual connections in a materialistic world?
  • What limits do societal norms place on love?
A Different Perspective

Such ideal love may be unattainable within existing social structures.

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