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Heart beating Quote by Charlotte Brontë

“They spoke almost as loud as Feeling: and that clamoured wildly. "Oh, comply!" it said. "Think of his misery; think of his danger — look at his state when left alone; remember his headlong nature; consider the recklessness following on despair — soothe him; save him; love him; tell him you love…” quote by Charlotte Brontë
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““They spoke almost as loud as Feeling: and that clamoured wildly. "Oh, comply!" it said. "Think of his misery; think of his danger — look at his state when left alone; remember his headlong nature; consider the recklessness following on despair — soothe him; save him; love him; tell him you love him and will be his. Who in the world cares for you? or who will be injured by what you do?" Still indomitable was the reply — "I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself. I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad — as I am now. Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be. If at my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth? They have a worth — so I have always believed; and if I cannot believe it now, it is because I am quite insane — quite insane: with my veins running fire, and my heart beating faster than I can count its throbs. Preconceived opinions, foregone determinations, are all I have this hour to stand by: there I plant my foot.””

Charlotte Brontë

About This Quote

Source Novel: Jane Eyre, 1847

The speaker declares self‑reliance, upholding personal law and principles despite temptation and inner turmoil.

In simple terms: Stay true to personal principles despite hardship.

Key Takeaway

Hold fast to your own moral code.

Themes

self‑reliance principles inner conflict solitude

Mood

determined introspective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • ethical dilemmas
  • personal crises
  • loneliness
  • decision making
  • spiritual struggle

Key Concepts

moral philosophy existentialism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do your principles serve you or hinder you?
  • When should you adapt laws to circumstances?
A Different Perspective

Rigid adherence may ignore necessary flexibility.

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