Skip to content

Affection Quote by George Eliot

“When a tender affection has been storing itself in us through many of our years, the idea that we could accept any exchange for it seems to be a cheapening of our lives. And we can set a watch over our affections and our constancy as we can over other treasures.” quote by George Eliot
Download Open image
““When a tender affection has been storing itself in us through many of our years, the idea that we could accept any exchange for it seems to be a cheapening of our lives. And we can set a watch over our affections and our constancy as we can over other treasures.””

George Eliot

About This Quote

Source Novel: Middlemarch by George Eliot, 1871

Deep, lasting love should not be treated as a commodity; it deserves reverence and protection like a treasured possession.

In simple terms: Love is precious, not for sale.

Key Takeaway

Guard your love with care.

Themes

love integrity value

Mood

reflective serene

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • marriage
  • long‑term relationships
  • friendship
  • family ties

Key Concepts

emotional wealth constancy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you honor your deepest affections?
  • What boundaries protect love from being cheapened?
A Different Perspective

Love can be vulnerable to exploitation if treated transactionally.

4.8 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by George Eliot

Explore all 1,492 George Eliot quotes

More Affection quotes

Browse all 2,466 Affection quotes