“Being in love was like China: you knew it was there, and no doubt it was very interesting, and some people went there, but I never would... and then someone passed me a bit of some sweet stuff, and suddenly I realized that I had been to China. So to speak. And I'd forgotten it.”
Examples of Usage
Philip Pullman's quote perfectly captures the feeling of unexpectedly falling in love.
- "After years of being closed off to the idea of love, she finally let someone in and realized she had been to China all along, as Philip Pullman puts it."
- "His experience of love was described as a journey to China, a place he never thought he would visit, but now can't imagine living without."
Analysis
In this quote by Philip Pullman, the comparison of being in love to China reveals the complexity and mystery of both. The speaker initially views love as something distant and foreign, akin to a far-off land that they have no interest in exploring. However, upon experiencing the sweetness and depth of love, they realize that they had been to "China" all along but had forgotten its beauty and allure. This analogy beautifully captures the transformative and unexpected nature of love, showing how it can surprise us and change our perspectives in ways we never anticipated.
Exploring the Depths of Love
In this quote by Philip Pullman, the concept of being in love is compared to the mysterious and alluring country of China. At first, the idea of love may seem distant and unattainable, much like a far-off destination. But as Pullman suggests, love has a way of unexpectedly sneaking up on us, much like stumbling upon, and ultimately forgetting, a sweet treat from a foreign land. This comparison highlights the transformative and sometimes unexpected nature of love, showing how it can catch us off guard and leave a lasting impression.
Reflection Questions:
In this quote by Philip Pullman, the concept of love is likened to a mysterious and intriguing place like China. This comparison raises questions about the nature of love and its impact on individuals. Here are some reflective questions to ponder upon:
Have you ever experienced a moment where love caught you by surprise, similar to the narrator's experience of suddenly realizing they had been to China?
How do you think the metaphor of love being like China adds depth to our understanding of the complexities and mysteries of love?
In what ways have your preconceived notions or beliefs about love been challenged or expanded upon through personal experiences?
Can you think of a personal experience where love or a relationship led you to discover something new about yourself or the world around you?
How does Philip Pullman's analogy of love as an unexpected journey resonate with your own understanding of love and relationships?
Similar quotes
“...But it gradually seemed to me that I'd made myself believe something that wasn't true. I'd made myself believe that I was fine and happy and fulfilled on my own without the love of anyone else. Being in love was like China: you knew it was there, and no doubt it was very interesting, and some people went there, but I never would. I'd spend all my life without ever going to China, but it wouldn't matter, because there was all the rest of the world to visit... And I thought: am I really going to spend the rest of my life without feeling that again? I thought: I want to go to China. It's full of treasures and strangeness and mysteries and joy.”
“I love you. No doubts. I can smile now because It was so true: I never had any doubts; I always knew he was it for me, I knew he was all I'd ever want”
“I always have a problem liking things that I'm told I should like. This has been the problem with most of the Wonders I have seen so far. The fact that this one is called the 'Great' Wall of China annoys me. I'll decide if it's great or not. It might end up being the 'All Right Wall of China' to me.”
“The first time I'd entered the Fold, I'd feared the darkness and my own death. Now, darkness was nothing to me, and I knew that soon death would seem like a gift. I'd always known I would have to return to the Unsea, but as I looked back, I realized that some part of me had anticipated it.”
“The Carpenters had a threshold more solid and extensive than the Great Wall of China. I would not be in the least bit surprised if you could see it from space.”