The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection, that one is sometimes willing to commit sins for the sake of loyalty, that one does not push asceticism to the point where it makes friendly intercourse impossible, and that one is prepared in the end to be defeated and broken up by life, which is the inevitable price of fastening one's love upon other human individuals.

Summary

This quote highlights the inherent imperfections and vulnerabilities that define our humanity. It emphasizes that being human means accepting that perfection is not attainable and that we are bound to make mistakes in our pursuit of loyalty and connection. It acknowledges the importance of finding a balance between self-discipline and maintaining healthy relationships with others. Ultimately, it suggests that one must be willing to endure the hardships and heartbreaks that life brings in order to truly deeply love other individuals.

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