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Romeo wants Juliet as the filings want the magnet; and if…

“Romeo wants Juliet as the filings want the magnet; and if no obstacles intervene he moves towards her by as straight a line as they. But Romeo and Juliet, if a wall be built between them, do not remain idiotically pressing their faces against its opposite sides like the magnet and the filings with…” quote by William James
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“Romeo wants Juliet as the filings want the magnet; and if no obstacles intervene he moves towards her by as straight a line as they. But Romeo and Juliet, if a wall be built between them, do not remain idiotically pressing their faces against its opposite sides like the magnet and the filings with the card. Romeo soon finds a circuitous way, by scaling the wall or otherwise, of touching Juliet's lips directly. With the filings the path is fixed; whether it reaches the end depends on accidents. With the lover it is the end which is fixed, the path may be modified indefinitely.”

William James

About This Quote

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

Love seeks the beloved, but obstacles force creative routes; unlike magnetic attraction, lovers can alter their path to reach the goal.

In simple terms: Love adapts when blocked.

Key Takeaway

Find flexible ways to overcome barriers.

Themes

love obstacles creativity determination

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • conflict resolution
  • personal growth
  • strategic planning

Key Concepts

magnetism free will agency

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you navigate barriers in love?
  • What creative strategies help you stay connected?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may oversimplify complex emotional dynamics.

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