How many husbands and wives,” Merrin uttered sadly, “must…
““How many husbands and wives,” Merrin uttered sadly, “must believe they have fallen out of love because their hearts no longer race at the sight of their beloveds. Ah, dear God!” He shook his head. And then he nodded. “There it lies, I think, Damien … possession; not in wars, as some tend to believe; not so much; and very rarely in extraordinary interventions such as here … this girl … this poor child. No, I tend to see possession most often in the little things, Damien: in the senseless, petty spites and misunderstandings; the cruel and cutting word that leaps unbidden to the tongue between friends. Between lovers. Between husbands and wives. Enough of these and we have no need of Satan to manage our wars; these we manage for ourselves … for ourselves.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Possession often manifests in petty conflicts and harsh words, not just grand wars.
In simple terms: Small resentments can dominate relationships.
Key Takeaway
Mindful communication prevents unnecessary strife.
Themes
relationships
conflict
communication
human nature
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- friendship disputes
- family gatherings
Key Concepts
psychology
interpersonal dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What small habits fuel resentment?
- How can we address petty conflicts constructively?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring minor grievances can escalate into larger problems.