Quote by Julie de Lespinasse, Letter to t
I do not comprehend those rules of conduct that make us so content with self and so cold to those we love. I detest prudence, I even hate (suffer me to say so) those duties of friendship which substitute propriety for interest, and circumspection for feeling. How shall I say it? I love the abandonment to impulse, I act from impulse only, and I love to madness that others do the same by me.
Summary
This quote expresses the speaker's sheer disdain for societal rules and expectations that often prioritize self-interest and decorum over genuine emotion and connection. They reject the idea of prudence and duty in friendships, criticizing the tendency to prioritize propriety and caution over genuine feelings and impulses. The speaker deeply values spontaneity and acting on instincts, and cherishes when others reciprocate this raw authenticity. They express a profound love for the abandonment of societal norms and a desire for deep emotional connections based on genuine impulsiveness rather than calculated behavior.
Topics
Enlightenment
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