Feeling love Quote by Bertrand Russell
““Narcissism is, in a sense, the converse of an habitual sense of sin; it consists in the habit of admiring oneself and wishing to be admired. Up to a point it is, of course, normal, and not to be deplored; it is only in its excesses that it becomes a grave evil. In many women, especially rich Society women, the capacity for feeling love is completely dried up, and is replaced by a powerful desire that all men should love them. When a woman of this kind is sure that a man loves her, she has no further use for him. The same thing occurs, though less frequently, with men; the classic example is the hero of Liaisons Dangereuses. When vanity is carried to this height, there is no genuine interest in any other person, and therefore no real satisfaction to be obtained from love.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Marriage and Morality, 1921
Excessive self‑admiration replaces genuine love, turning desire for admiration into a moral flaw.
In simple terms: Narcissism blocks true love.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate humility and empathy.
Themes
self‑esteem
love
vanity
morality
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- romantic relationships
- social status pursuits
- personal development
Key Concepts
psychology
ethical critique
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does admiration affect genuine connection?
- Can vanity be redirected positively?
A Different Perspective
Excess can be socially reinforced, making change difficult.
![“These illustrations suggest four general maxims[...]. The first is: remember that your motives are not always as altruistic as they seem to yourself. The second is: don't over-estimate your own merits. The third is: don't expect others to take as much interest in you as you do yourself. And the…” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f03/bertrand-russell-69_desire_these-illustrations-suggest-four-general_3090726.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
