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Appearance Quote by Osamu Dazai

“To fall for," "to be fallen for"--I feel in these words something unspeakably vulgar, farcical, and at the same time extraordinarily complacent. Once these expressions put in an appearance, no matter how solemn the place, the silent cathedrals of melancholy crumble, leaving nothing but an…” quote by Osamu Dazai
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“To fall for," "to be fallen for"--I feel in these words something unspeakably vulgar, farcical, and at the same time extraordinarily complacent. Once these expressions put in an appearance, no matter how solemn the place, the silent cathedrals of melancholy crumble, leaving nothing but an impression of fatuousness. It is curious, but the cathedrals of melancholy are not necessarily demolished if one can replace the vulgar "What a messy business it is to be fallen for" by the more literary "What uneasiness lies in being loved.”

Osamu Dazai

About This Quote

Source Novel: No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai, 1948

The language we use to describe love can make it feel vulgar or profound, shaping our emotional experience.

In simple terms: Words shape how we feel about love.

Key Takeaway

Choose language that honors emotions.

Themes

love language perception vulnerability

Mood

melancholic introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • therapy
  • relationship counseling
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

semantics emotional framing literary expression

Questions to Reflect On

  • What words do you use for love?
  • How does language affect your emotional reality?
A Different Perspective

Romantic language can also mask deeper issues, not just elevate feeling.

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