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Gaze Quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald

“I can't describe to you how surprised I was to find out I loved her, old sport. I even hoped for a while that she'd throw me over, but she didn't, because she was in love with me too. She thought I knew a lot because I knew different things from her. . . . Well, there I was, 'way off my ambitions…” quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald
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““I can't describe to you how surprised I was to find out I loved her, old sport. I even hoped for a while that she'd throw me over, but she didn't, because she was in love with me too. She thought I knew a lot because I knew different things from her. . . . Well, there I was, 'way off my ambitions, getting deeper in love every minute, and all of a sudden I didn't care. What was the use of doing great things if I could have a better time telling her what I was going to do?" On the last afternoon before he went abroad, he sat with Daisy in his arms for a long, silent time. It was a cold fall day, with fire in the room and her cheeks flushed. Now and then she moved and he changed his arm a little, and once he kissed her dark shining hair. The afternoon had made them tranquil for a while, as if to give them a deep memory for the long parting the next day promised. They had never been closer in their month of love, nor communicated more profoundly one with another, than when she brushed silent lips against his coat's shoulder or when he touched the end of her fingers, gently, as though she were asleep.””

F. Scott Fitzgerald

About This Quote

Source Novel: “The Great Gatsby” (implied passage), 1925

The narrator reflects on unexpected love, realizing personal achievements feel empty without sharing them with a beloved.

In simple terms: He finds love makes achievements feel less important.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize love over ambition.

Themes

love self‑discovery priorities

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

fictional philosophical

When to use this quote

  • romantic relationship
  • life decisions
  • personal introspection

Key Concepts

existential reflection personal growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does love reshape ambition?
  • What is the balance between personal success and relationships?
A Different Perspective

May undervalue professional goals.

3.2 out of 5 (5 ratings)

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