Skip to content

Accidents Quote by Harriet Martineau

“Must love be ever treated with profaneness as a mere illusion? or with coarseness as a mere impulse? or with fear as a mere disease? or with shame as a mere weakness? or with levity as a mere accident? whereas it is a great mystery and a great necessity, lying at the foundation of human existence…” quote by Harriet Martineau
Download Open image
“Must love be ever treated with profaneness as a mere illusion? or with coarseness as a mere impulse? or with fear as a mere disease? or with shame as a mere weakness? or with levity as a mere accident? whereas it is a great mystery and a great necessity, lying at the foundation of human existence, morality, and happiness,--mysterious, universal, inevitable as death.”

Harriet Martineau

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Moral Sentiments, Harriet Martineau, 1845

Love is a profound mystery essential to morality and happiness, not a mere illusion, impulse, or disease.

In simple terms: Love is essential, not trivial.

Key Takeaway

Recognize love’s depth.

Themes

ethics human nature psychology

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • education
  • policy making
  • mental health care

Key Concepts

existentialism moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does love mean in your life?
  • How does love influence moral choices?
A Different Perspective

Love can be misused or misunderstood.

4.4 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Harriet Martineau

Explore all 98 Harriet Martineau quotes

More Accidents quotes

Browse all 1,971 Accidents quotes