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Benefits Quote by Toni Morrison

“Do they still call it infatuation? That magic ax that chops away the world in one blow, leaving only the couple standing there trembling? Whatever they call it, it leaps over anything, takes the biggest chair, the largest slice, rules the ground wherever it walks, from a mansion to a swamp, and…” quote by Toni Morrison
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““Do they still call it infatuation? That magic ax that chops away the world in one blow, leaving only the couple standing there trembling? Whatever they call it, it leaps over anything, takes the biggest chair, the largest slice, rules the ground wherever it walks, from a mansion to a swamp, and its selfishness is its beauty… People with no imagination feed it with sex -- the clown of love. They don't know the real kinds, the better kinds, where losses are cut and everybody benefits. It takes a certain intelligence to love like that -- softly, without props.””

Toni Morrison

About This Quote

Source Novel: Beloved by Toni Morrison, 1987

A passionate, consuming love can dominate and distort reality, making the lover feel both powerful and trapped.

In simple terms: Intense love can overwhelm and limit perception.

Key Takeaway

Recognize love’s intensity and seek balance.

Themes

love power illusion selfishness imagination

Mood

intense conflicted

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • creative writing
  • therapy
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

romantic obsession emotional intelligence psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does passion affect your perception of reality?
  • Can love be both beautiful and selfish?
A Different Perspective

Intense love may blind judgment and cause dependency.

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