Love Quote by Fernando Pessoa
““In sexual love we seek our own pleasure via another body. In non-sexual love, we seek our own pleasure via our own idea. The masturbator may be abject, but in point of fact he’s the perfect logical expression of the lover. He’s the only one who doesn’t feign and doesn’t fool himself.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Book of Disquiet” by Fernando Pessoa, 1913
Sexual love seeks pleasure through another body; non‑sexual love seeks pleasure through an inner idea, making the masturbator a pure, unfeigned expression of love.
In simple terms: Sexual love uses another; non‑sexual love uses self.
Key Takeaway
Recognize authentic self‑pleasure without self‑deception.
Themes
love
self‑knowledge
authenticity
desire
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal introspection
- creative writing
- therapy sessions
- relationship counseling
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self‑pleasure differ from shared intimacy?
- Can authenticity exist without self‑deception?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the social and relational aspects of love beyond self‑focus.
