“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.”
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?
Similar quotes
“What a silly thing love is! It is not half as useful as logic, for it does not prove anything and it is always telling one things that are not going to happen, and making one believe things that are not true.”
“He was not such a special person. He loved to read very much, and also to write. He was a poet, and he exhibited me many of his poems. I remember many of them. They were silly, you could say, and about love. He was always in his room writing those things, and never with people. I used to tell him, What good is all that love doing on paper? I said, Let love write on you for a little. But he was so stubborn. Or perhaps he was only timid.”
“At lunch break [from cheesemaking] I checked out the wildly colorful powder room, where a quote from Alice in Wonderland was painted on the wall: There's no use in trying,' Alice said. 'One can't believe impossible things.' I daresay you haven't had much practice,' said the Queen. 'When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
“I was never like the rest of you, making plans about the great things I'd do, I never saw myself as anything much, just shy, stupid little Beth, who's only use was at home. Why does everyone want to go away? I love being home, but I don't like being left behind. Now I'm the one going ahead, No one can stop God if He wants me, But I'm afraid I shall be homesick for you... even in heaven.”
“Alice laughed. 'There's no use trying,' she said. 'One can't believe impossible things.'I daresay you haven't had much practice,' said the Queen. 'When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast. There goes the shawl again!”