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Affection Quote by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton

“Nine times out of ten it is over the Bridge of Sighs that we pass the narrow gulf from youth to manhood. That interval is usually marked by an ill placed or disappointed affection. We recover and we find ourselves a new being. The intellect has become hardened by the fire through which it has…” quote by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton
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“Nine times out of ten it is over the Bridge of Sighs that we pass the narrow gulf from youth to manhood. That interval is usually marked by an ill placed or disappointed affection. We recover and we find ourselves a new being. The intellect has become hardened by the fire through which it has passed. The mind profits by the wrecks of every passion, and we may measure our road to wisdom by the sorrows we have undergone.”

Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton

About This Quote

Source Novel: Historical fiction, 19th century

Transition from youth to adulthood is marked by disappointment, loss, and hardened intellect, leading to wisdom through sorrow.

In simple terms: Growth comes through pain and hardening.

Key Takeaway

Embrace hardship as path to wisdom.

Themes

coming‑of‑age wisdom pain growth

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • career advancement
  • personal crises

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What sorrow shaped your wisdom?
  • How do you balance pain and growth?
A Different Perspective

Hardship may cause trauma.

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