--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Love was merely a tool, smiles were…" description: "\"“Love was merely a tool, smiles were another tool, they were both just tools for accomplishing certain ends. No magic, merely chemicals. I felt I'd nev..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/acd/margaret-atwood-40_love_love-was-merely-a-tool-smiles-were-anoth_2456867.jpg" --- # Love was merely a tool, smiles were another tool, they… ![“Love was merely a tool, smiles were another tool, they were both just tools for accomplishing certain ends. No magic, merely chemicals. I felt I'd never really loved anyone, not Paul, not Chuck the Royal Porcupine, not even Arthur. I'd polished them with my love and expected them to shine…” quote by Margaret Atwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/acd/margaret-atwood-40_love_love-was-merely-a-tool-smiles-were-anoth_2456867.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/acd/margaret-atwood-40_love_love-was-merely-a-tool-smiles-were-anoth_2456867.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/acd/margaret-atwood-40_love_love-was-merely-a-tool-smiles-were-anoth_2456867.jpg) > ““Love was merely a tool, smiles were another tool, they were both just tools for accomplishing certain ends. No magic, merely chemicals. I felt I'd never really loved anyone, not Paul, not Chuck the Royal Porcupine, not even Arthur. I'd polished them with my love and expected them to shine, brightly enough to return my own reflection, enhanced and sparkling.”” [Margaret Atwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-atwood/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Love is portrayed as a functional tool rather than a mystical force, suggesting relationships are driven by chemical and pragmatic motives. **In simple terms:** Love is seen as a tool, not magic, driven by chemistry. Key Takeaway Question the authenticity of emotional connections. Themes love relationships chemistry instrumentalism self‑reflection Mood reflective thoughtful critical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal relationships - romantic partnerships - self‑analysis Key Concepts emotional authenticity psychology of love social expectations Questions to Reflect On - Do we reduce love to utility? - Can love be both tool and feeling? A Different Perspective The view may overlook deeper emotional experiences beyond chemistry. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Love Expected](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love-expected-618451/) [Love Merely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love-merely-605406/) [Loved Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/loved-paul-618450/) [Polished Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/polished-love-618449/) ## Related quotes > [It also was never a secret how loved Paul was, but seeing and hearing the way that everyone talked about him, from producers to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cody-walker/it-also-was-never-a-secret-how-loved-paul-was-but-seeing-and-hearing/) [Cody Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cody-walker/) > [Paul was a huge movie star, and I think really what I didn't realize about Paul that I've since learned, is how loved Paul…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cody-walker/paul-was-a-huge-movie-star-and-i-think-really-what-i-didn-t-realize/) [Cody Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cody-walker/) > [“Some will tell you Love is merely chemical, my friends, said Adam one. 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