Better person Quote by Fatima Marnissi
““-On sharing the love story of the Persian prince Khushraw and the niece of the queen of Armenia Shirin (who were looking for each other but in opposite directions): "Both lovers then departed, looking for each other in opposite directions, a theme universal in its pathos, because we all spend our brief lives doing just that, even if we physically share our beds with the same person every night for years. Always we carry an image in our head of a better person, of an ideal person, which blurs our chances of finding happiness.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: Folklore retelling, date unknown
The quote uses the tale of lovers searching in opposite directions as a metaphor for how people pursue idealized partners while sharing physical intimacy, often missing true happiness.
In simple terms: People chase ideal love despite existing relationships.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic connection over idealization.
Themes
love
idealization
relationships
search
personal growth
folklore
myth
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
Better person:1
Every night:0
Finding happiness:1
Love:1
Love story:1
Lovers:1
Opposite direction:1
Scheherazade:0
Sharing love:0
Sharing The Love:0
Shirin Looking:0
Prince Khushraw:0
Persian Prince:0
When to use this quote
- relationship counseling
- self‑reflection
- creative writing
- cultural studies
Key Concepts
psychology
literature
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does an “ideal person” mean to you?
- How can you appreciate present relationships?
A Different Perspective
Idealization may cause dissatisfaction.
