Skip to content

Love Quote by Ian McEwan

“But even I know that love doesn’t steer by logic, nor is power distributed evenly. Lovers arrive at their first kisses with scars as well as longings. They’re not always looking for advantage. Some need shelter, others press only for the hyperreality of ecstasy, for which they’ll tell outrageous…” quote by Ian McEwan
Download Open image
““But even I know that love doesn’t steer by logic, nor is power distributed evenly. Lovers arrive at their first kisses with scars as well as longings. They’re not always looking for advantage. Some need shelter, others press only for the hyperreality of ecstasy, for which they’ll tell outrageous lies or make irrational sacrifice. But they rarely ask themselves what they need or want.””

Ian McEwan

About This Quote

Source Novel: Unknown (fictional excerpt)

Love is irrational, unevenly powerful, and often driven by deep needs rather than logic, leading to sacrifice and self‑deception.

In simple terms: Love isn’t logical; it’s messy and demanding.

Key Takeaway

Accept love’s complexity and examine true needs.

Themes

love irrationality power dynamics self-deception

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • romantic relationships
  • personal growth
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

psychology human desire sacrifice

Questions to Reflect On

  • What do you truly need in love?
  • How can you balance desire with reason?
A Different Perspective

The view may overlook love’s capacity for rational partnership.

4.8 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Ian McEwan

Explore all 496 Ian McEwan quotes

More Love quotes

Browse all 233,035 Love quotes