Quote by Samuel Johnson
He that outlives a wife whom he has long loved, sees himself disjoined from the only mind that has the same hopes, and fears, and interest; from the only companion with whom he has shared much good and evil; and with whom he could set his mind at liberty, to retrace the past or anticipate the future. The continuity of being is lacerated; the settled course of sentiment and action is stopped; and life stands suspended and motionless.
Summary
This quote highlights the profound impact of losing a long-time loved one, particularly a spouse. It emphasizes the emotional and psychological effects of losing a partner who shared the same dreams, fears, and experiences. The person left behind feels a separation from the only individual with whom they could freely reflect on the past or envision the future. The loss disrupts their sense of continuity and disrupts their established patterns of emotions and actions, leaving them feeling suspended and stagnant in life.