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Driven Quote by John Barth

“Love it is that drives and sustains us!' I translate: we don't know what drives and sustains us, only that we are most miserably driven and, imperfectly, sustained. Love is how we call our ignorance of what whips us.” quote by John Barth
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““Love it is that drives and sustains us!' I translate: we don't know what drives and sustains us, only that we are most miserably driven and, imperfectly, sustained. Love is how we call our ignorance of what whips us.””

John Barth

About This Quote

Source Novel: The End of the Road by John Barth, 1970

Love is a label for our unknown motivations and sustenance, acknowledging our ignorance.

In simple terms: Love names what we don’t understand about what drives us.

Key Takeaway

Accept love as a placeholder for mystery.

Themes

love existentialism ignorance

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • relationship counseling
  • creative writing
  • self‑reflection
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

human motivation philosophy of emotion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives you beyond love?
  • Can love be a distraction from true purpose?
A Different Perspective

Love may mask deeper issues needing exploration.

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