Different path Quote by David James Duncan
““After watching what this purchase had cost Irwin and Linda, Amy and I chose a different path. Love, we figured, may be the best thing that ever happens between two people. And that the best thing is of no worldly worth struck us a beautiful paradox--and an endangered one. We therefore began fighting to defend the worthlessness of lovers everywhere in the only way we knew how: by vowing to remain as inseparable from each other, and as utterly useless to all opportunists, as the rest of our responsibilities would allow.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Brothers K by David James Duncan, 1992
The quote suggests love’s value is paradoxically priceless yet worthless in material terms, urging a commitment to love that resists exploitation and societal expectations.
In simple terms: Love is both priceless and worthless, so protect it from exploitation.
Key Takeaway
Cherish love beyond material gain.
Themes
love
paradox
commitment
resistance
values
Mood
reflective
defiant
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- marriage
- activism
- personal relationships
- community building
Key Concepts
existentialism
relationship ethics
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you protect love from being used as a tool?
- What does “worthlessness” of lovers truly mean?
A Different Perspective
Love cannot be quantified, but society often tries to.
