"Caresses, expressions of one sort or another, are necessary to the life of the affections as leaves are to the life of a tree. If they are wholly restrained, love will die at the roots"
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
About this Quote
This quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a metaphor for the value of physical and emotional affection in relationships. Just as leaves are needed for a tree to make it through, so too are caresses and expressions of love necessary for the life of the love. Without these expressions of love, relationships will suffer and eventually die. Hawthorne is highlighting the significance of physical and emotional affection in relationships, and how without it, enjoy will not make it through. He is recommending that without physical and psychological affection, relationships will not be able to prosper and will ultimately die. This quote is a tip of the significance of showing love and affection in relationships, and how without it, relationships will not be able to make it through.
"Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage"