"I both love and do not love; and am mad and not mad"

Anacreon's quote is a reflection of the complexity of human emotion. It speaks with the idea that we can feel 2 opposing feelings at the exact same time, which our feelings can be contradictory. This quote recommends that it is possible to both love and not love somebody, and to be both mad and not mad. It is a reminder that our emotions are not always black and white, however rather a spectrum of tones of grey. It is a pointer that we are complicated creatures, capable of feeling a range of feelings at any given time. Anacreon's quote is a suggestion that it is fine to feel conflicting feelings, and that it is typical to experience a variety of emotions. It is a tip that our feelings are valid, which it is essential to acknowledge and accept them.