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Love Quote by Ian McEwan

“In theory, they have equal power over each other Leave this house. Never come back. Or I'll bring the police down on us both. 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…” quote by Ian McEwan
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““In theory, they have equal power over each other Leave this house. Never come back. Or I'll bring the police down on us both. 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 that they need or want. Memories are poor for past failures. Childhoods shine through adult skin, helpfully or not. So do the laws of inheritance that bind a personality. The lovers don't know there's no free will. I haven't heard enough radio drama to know more than that, though pop songs have taught me that they don't feel in December what they felt in May, and that to have a womb may be incomprehensible to those who don't and that the reverse is also true.””

Ian McEwan

About This Quote

Source Novel: Saturday by Ian McEwan, 2005

The quote explores how love, power, and memory intertwine, showing that emotions often defy logic and that personal histories shape relationships.

In simple terms: Love and power clash, memory distorts, and free will is uncertain.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the irrational forces shaping relationships.

Themes

love power memory free will psychology

Mood

reflective melancholic introspective

Type

literary philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • romantic relationships
  • family dynamics
  • personal growth
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

psychological realism human behavior emotional conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do past experiences influence current love?
  • Can logic ever fully guide emotional decisions?
A Different Perspective

The claim that free will is absent may overlook agency and choice.

2.4 out of 5 (8 ratings)

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