Samuel Butler quote explanation
This quote draws a parallel between the experience of living and the act of loving, suggesting that both go against reason but are guided by a healthy instinct. Let’s break down the quote:
- “To live is like to love”: This sets up the comparison between the two fundamental aspects of human experience—living and loving.
- “all reason is against it”: This part of the quote suggests that if we were to rely solely on rational thinking or logical analysis, both living and loving might seem irrational or defy straightforward reasoning. Life and love can be complex and emotionally driven, often defying strict logic.
- “and all healthy instinct for it”: Despite reason being against it, the quote introduces the idea that there is a healthy instinct or natural inclination toward both living and loving. It implies that, on a deeper level, our instincts guide us towards these fundamental aspects of human existence.
In essence, the quote captures the tension between reason and instinct in the human experience. While reason might question or challenge the logic of living and loving, there is an innate and healthy instinct that propels individuals toward these essential aspects of life. It reflects the idea that the richness and complexity of life and love often transcend simple rational analysis and are deeply rooted in our instincts and emotional well-being.