In its simplest interpretation, the phrase suggests that love involves a certain degree of shared foolishness or impracticality between two people. It implies that when individuals are deeply in love, they might engage in actions or thoughts that others would consider irrational or unwise but that make perfect sense within their relationship.
On a deeper level, this quote delves into the essence of what it means to be truly connected with another person. Love, as Paul Valéry suggests, often involves transcending conventional wisdom and societal norms. When two people are deeply in love, they may adopt behaviors or perspectives that others would find perplexing but that deepen their bond and reflect a unique understanding between them. This kind of shared irrationality can be seen as a form of intimacy, where partners support each other's idiosyncrasies and sometimes even celebrate the moments when conventional logic seems to falter.
Paul Valéry was a French poet, essayist, and philosopher who lived from 1875 to 1945. He is renowned for his contributions to modern poetry and philosophy, often exploring themes of doubt, ambiguity, and the human condition in his work. His insight into love reflects his broader philosophical inquiries into human nature and relationships.
