Vows Quote by John Connolly
““Oh, such promises we make in the heat of our passion, when the breath catches in the throat and the belly trembles. Lured by the warmth of another - the scent of her, the strength of him - our tongues betray us and the words come tumbling from our mouths. The act becomes indistinguishable from the intent, and the truth is confused with lies, even to ourselves. Do we say these things because we truly believe them, or do we believe that, by saying them aloud, they may become true? And, when tested, how many of us can say that we fulfilled our vows, that we did not turn away, that we did not renege on the promises we made? When our partners grow old and slow, when the light in their eyes dims and our ardor cools, how many of us are not tempted to turn away and seek our pleasures elsewhere? Not I. I was faithful always. I kept my vows to her, and she her vows to me, in her way.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Book of Lost Things, John Connolly, 2006
Passion fuels promises that blur truth and intent, leading to doubts about sincerity and fidelity over time.
In simple terms: Passionate promises blur truth and test loyalty.
Key Takeaway
Examine the honesty of your vows.
Themes
love
commitment
truth
passion
longevity
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- marriage
- long‑term partnership
- conflict resolution
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
psychology
ethical dilemma
relationship dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you keep promises when desire fades?
- How do you distinguish true belief from hopeful wish?
A Different Perspective
Passions can cloud judgment, making promises fragile.
