--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Then it is better, sir, to love whom one…" description: "\"Then it is better, sir, to love whom one cannot have?\" \"Probably better,\" Lancelot said. \"Certainly safer.\" — John Steinbeck" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/829/john-steinbeck-71_lancelot_then-it-is-better-sir-to-love-whom-one-c_1213404.jpg" --- # Then it is better, sir, to love whom one cannot have?"… ![“Then it is better, sir, to love whom one cannot have?" "Probably better," Lancelot said. "Certainly safer.” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/829/john-steinbeck-71_lancelot_then-it-is-better-sir-to-love-whom-one-c_1213404.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/829/john-steinbeck-71_lancelot_then-it-is-better-sir-to-love-whom-one-c_1213404.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/829/john-steinbeck-71_lancelot_then-it-is-better-sir-to-love-whom-one-c_1213404.jpg) > “Then it is better, sir, to love whom one cannot have?" "Probably better," Lancelot said. "Certainly safer.” [John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-steinbeck/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Suggests loving the unattainable may be safer than risking loss. **In simple terms:** Unrequited love can feel safer. Key Takeaway Weigh emotional risk versus safety. Themes love risk safety Mood melancholic thoughtful Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - relationships - personal growth - decision making Key Concepts unrequited affection psychology of desire Questions to Reflect On - Is safety worth sacrificing love? - How do you balance desire and security? A Different Perspective May romanticize unhealthy dynamics. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Better](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/better/) [Better Lancelot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/better-lancelot-3688061/) [Better Sir](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/better-sir-3688062/) [Certainly Safer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/certainly-safer-3688063/) [Lancelot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lancelot/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Probably Better](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/probably-better-628376/) [Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/said/) ## Related quotes > [It will not get better than Sir Alex Ferguson. 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