Book Quote by Philip Kitcher
“There's a disciplined erotic component to it, so that the height of sexual contact is the embrace, the modest touch, a relatively chaste kiss. An important passage from the surviving 1942 diary (one I quote in the book) relates this mode of sexual expression to his own life. Mann had returned to his diary for 1927 (one of those he burned) and to his parting from the young man, Klaus Heuser, whom the family had met on holiday and invited to Munich.”
About This Quote
Source Diary excerpt quoted in biography: Thomas Mann, 1942 diary, published 1995
Describes a restrained, almost chaste form of intimacy, emphasizing emotional connection over physicality.
In simple terms: Intimacy can be modest and meaningful.
Key Takeaway
Value emotional depth in relationships.
Themes
intimacy
modesty
emotion
sexuality
literature
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- literary analysis
- relationship advice
- historical study
Key Concepts
romantic idealism
personal narrative
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- What does modest intimacy reveal about personal values?
- Can restraint coexist with passion?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize restraint, ignoring diverse sexual expressions.
![“I don't like kissing." "I suppose it is a matter of taste."[...]"I wondered, did anyone ever," shrug, "you know, hurt you so you don't like kissing? love?" "Nope."[...] "I thought maybe someone had been bad to you in the past, and that was why you don't like people touching or holding you." "Ah…” quote by Keri Hulme](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a6b/keri-hulme-25544_asexual_i-don-t-like-kissing-i-suppose-it-is-a-m_3214137.jpg)
![“We were very clear that this film's [Young Adam] so much about a relationship that's borne out through the sexual contact, and that that's the way they communicate.” quote by Tilda Swinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/296/tilda-swinton-4434_adam_we-were-very-clear-that-this-film-s-youn_2331555.jpg)
