---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I have perceiv’d that to be with those I…"
description: "\"“I have perceiv’d that to be with those I like is enough, To stop in company with the rest at evening is enough, To be surrounded by beautiful, curious..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8af/walt-whitman-265_business_i-have-perceiv-d-that-to-be-with-those-i_2355300.jpg"
---

#  I have perceiv’d that to be with those I like is enough…

![“I have perceiv’d that to be with those I like is enough, To stop in company with the rest at evening is enough, To be surrounded by beautiful, curious, breathing, laughing flesh is enough, To pass among them or touch any one, or rest my arm ever so lightly round his or her neck for a moment, what…” quote by Walt Whitman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8af/walt-whitman-265_business_i-have-perceiv-d-that-to-be-with-those-i_2355300.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8af/walt-whitman-265_business_i-have-perceiv-d-that-to-be-with-those-i_2355300.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8af/walt-whitman-265_business_i-have-perceiv-d-that-to-be-with-those-i_2355300.jpg)

> ““I have perceiv’d that to be with those I like is enough, To stop in company with the rest at evening is enough, To be surrounded by beautiful, curious, breathing, laughing flesh is enough, To pass among them or touch any one, or rest my arm ever so lightly round his or her neck for a moment, what is this then? I do not ask any more delight, I swim in it as in a sea. There is something in staying close to men and women and looking on them, and in the contact and odor of them, that pleases the soul well, All things please the soul, but these please the soul well.””

[Walt Whitman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walt-whitman/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker finds deep fulfillment in simple human companionship and sensory presence, valuing intimate moments over grander desires.

**In simple terms:** Being close to others feels deeply satisfying.

Key Takeaway

Cherish everyday connections.

Themes

human connection sensory pleasure contentment

Mood

reflective warm

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

- social gatherings
- intimate moments
- daily interactions
- walking in crowds

Key Concepts

existential fulfillment embodied experience

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you balance closeness with personal space?
- What simple moments bring you joy?

A Different Perspective

May overlook deeper emotional needs or lead to dependency.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) [Delight](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/delight/) [Humanity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humanity/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Men and women](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men-and-women/) [Spirituality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirituality/)

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