Emotion Quote by E.M. Forster
““But the poetry of that kiss, the wonder of it, the magic that there was in life for hours after it--who can describe that? It is so easy for an Englishman to sneer at these chance collisions of human beings. To the insular cynic and the insular moralist they offer an equal opportunity. It is so easy to talk of "passing emotion," and how to forget how vivid the emotion was ere it passed. Our impulse to sneer, to forget, is at root a good one. We recognize that emotion is not enough, and that men and women are personalities capable of sustained relations, not mere opportunities for an electrical discharge. Yet we rate the impulse too highly. We do not admit that by collisions of this trivial sort the doors of heaven may be shaken open.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Passage to India, E.M. Forster, 1924
The quote celebrates fleeting, intense human connections that reveal deeper emotional truths beyond casual encounters, urging recognition of their transformative power.
In simple terms: Brief, powerful encounters can change us profoundly.
Key Takeaway
Cherish unexpected moments.
Themes
emotion
connection
humanity
transcendence
Mood
nostalgic
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- first dates
- chance meetings
- artistic inspiration
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
romanticism
existential insight
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you honor fleeting connections?
- What lasting impact can a brief encounter have?
A Different Perspective
Such moments may be romanticized, overlooking everyday responsibilities.
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