“What a silly thing love is!' said the student as he walked away. 'It is not half as useful as logic, for it does not prove anything, and it is always telling one of things that are not going to happen, and making one believe things that are not true. In fact, it is quite unpractical, and, as in this age to be practical is everything, I shall go back to philosophy and study metaphysics.' So he returned to his room and pulled out a great dusty book, and began to read.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis:
In this quote from Oscar Wilde's "The Nightingale and the Rose," the student expresses a cynical view of love, deeming it impractical and unuseful compared to logic. This statement reveals the character's disillusionment with the irrational and unpredictable nature of love, leading him to turn to philosophy and metaphysics for answers. Wilde's juxtaposition of love and logic highlights the conflicting ways in which individuals navigate the complexities of romantic relationships and intellectual pursuits.
Modern Relevance
In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, the idea of love being impractical compared to logic is still prevalent. With the emphasis on being productive and achieving tangible results, some may dismiss love as frivolous or a distraction. This quote from Oscar Wilde's work highlights the ongoing tension between rationality and emotions in a society that values practicality above all else.
Love vs Logic
“What a silly thing love is!" said the student as he walked away. "It is not half as useful as logic, for it does not prove anything, and it is always telling one of things that are not going to happen, and making one believe things that are not true. In fact, it is quite unpractical, and, as in this age to be practical is everything, I shall go back to philosophy and study metaphysics." So he returned to his room and pulled out a great dusty book, and began to read. - Oscar Wilde
Reflection Questions
Upon reading the passage by Oscar Wilde, it raises interesting questions about the nature of love and its contrast with logic and practicality. Consider the following reflection questions:
- How do you personally define love? Do you see it as a practical or logical concept?
- In what ways do you think love can be seen as irrational or contrary to logic?
- Have you ever experienced moments where love has led you to believe things that were not true or to hope for things that did not come to fruition?
- How do you balance the practicality of logic with the emotional nature of love in your own life?
- Do you believe that studying metaphysics or philosophy can provide a deeper understanding of love, or do you think love is beyond logic and analysis?
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