Borrowed Quote by Charles Caleb Colton
“A town, before it can be plundered and, deserted, must first be taken; and in this particular Venus has borrowed a law from her consort Mars. A woman that wishes to retain her suitor must keep him in the trenches; for this is a siege which the besieger never raises for want of supplies, since a feast is more fatal to love than a fast, and a surfeit than a starvation. Inanition may cause it to die a slow death, but repletion always destroys it by a sudden one.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Art of War" style moral essay, early 19th century
Maintaining a relationship requires constant engagement; neglect leads to decay, while overindulgence can also ruin love.
In simple terms: Love needs balanced attention; too little or too much harms it.
Key Takeaway
Seek steady, moderate effort in relationships.
Themes
relationships
balance
attention
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- married couples managing daily life
- long‑distance partners staying connected
- friends maintaining friendships
- caregivers supporting patients
Key Concepts
commitment dynamics
emotional economy
sustaining love
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance works best for you?
- How do you avoid both neglect and overindulgence?
A Different Perspective
Too much focus can become suffocating; neglect is equally damaging.
