Affection Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
“It is a curious subject of observation and inquiry, whether hatred and love be not the same thing at bottom. Each, in its utmost development, supposes a high degree of intimacy and heart-knowledge; each renders one individual dependent for the food of his affections and spiritual life upon another; each leaves the passionate lover, or the no less passionate hater, forlorn and desolate by the withdrawal of his object.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1850
The quote suggests that love and hatred are two sides of the same deep emotional bond, both requiring intimacy and dependence, and both causing pain when the bond breaks.
In simple terms: Love and hate both stem from deep intimacy and cause similar suffering when lost.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the shared roots of strong emotions.
Themes
love
hatred
intimacy
dependency
loss
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- romantic relationships
- family conflicts
- friendships
- political rivalries
Key Concepts
emotional duality
psychology of attachment
Questions to Reflect On
- How does intimacy shape both love and hate?
- Can you identify when a strong feeling is more about dependence than the emotion itself?
A Different Perspective
The comparison may oversimplify complex emotions that can arise without intimacy.
