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Dreams Quote by Diane Ackerman

“Love is the great intangible. In our nightmares, we can create beasts out of pure emotion. Hate stalks the streets with dripping fangs, fear flies down narrow alleyways on leather wings, and jealousy spins sticky webs across the sky. In daydreams, we can maneuver with poise, foiling an opponent…” quote by Diane Ackerman
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““Love is the great intangible. In our nightmares, we can create beasts out of pure emotion. Hate stalks the streets with dripping fangs, fear flies down narrow alleyways on leather wings, and jealousy spins sticky webs across the sky. In daydreams, we can maneuver with poise, foiling an opponent, scoring high on fields of glory while crowds cheer, cutting fast to the heart of an adventure. But what dream state is love? Frantic and serene, vigilant and calm, wrung-out and fortified, explosive and sedate –love commands a vast army of moods. Hoping for victory, limping from the latest skirmish, lovers enter the arena once again. Sitting still, we are as daring as gladiators.””

Diane Ackerman

About This Quote

Source Poem: “Love” by Diane Ackerman, 1995

Love is portrayed as a powerful, contradictory force that can inspire both heroic triumphs and deep turmoil, shaping emotions like an army of moods.

In simple terms: Love is a strong, mixed feeling that drives us. and down.

Key Takeaway

Recognize love’s dual nature and channel it wisely.

Themes

love conflict emotion heroism duality

Mood

intense reflective dramatic

Type

poetic philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • creative endeavors
  • conflict resolution
  • personal growth
  • artistic expression

Key Concepts

psychology mythology human experience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance love’s calm and chaotic aspects?
  • When does love become a source of conflict?
A Different Perspective

Love can overwhelm rational thought, leading to impulsive actions.

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