"Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable"
- Bruce Lee
About this Quote
Bruce Lee's quote provides a vibrant example that compares love to a fire, showing the evolution of romantic relationships through the metaphor of an ever-changing flame. At its creation, love looks like a "relationship caught on fire," where the initial trigger represents the excitement and strength of brand-new romantic feelings. This phase is characterized as "very quite, typically hot and fierce," suggesting the appeal and passion experienced during the early days of love. The description of the flame as "light and flickering" also implies that, while bright and fascinating, this phase of love is rather unpredictable and not yet stable.
As the quote advances, Lee deepens his metaphor by suggesting that, with time, love develops. "As love gets older, our hearts grow" indicates that the emotional bond between partners develops intricacy and depth. The intense enthusiasm, while still present, changes into something more long-lasting. The metaphor of love evolving into "coals, deep-burning and unquenchable," highlights how mature love keeps warmth and strength however is stable and resilient. This phase symbolizes a love that is robust, where the preliminary enjoyment has actually settled into an extensive, lasting connection.
The contrast in between the initial flame and mature coals likewise highlights a transition from transient to sustaining. The "flickering" nature of the early flame suggests susceptibility to external influences, suggesting that new love may be easily swayed and requires nurturing. In contrast, the "unquenchable" coals signify a relationship that has endured difficulties and grown stronger over time.
Lee's example therefore captures an extensive view of love's journey. It acknowledges the charm and enjoyment of new love while celebrating the profound, stable love that can develop with time. Eventually, the quote emphasizes the value of supporting love so that it transitions from a short-term flame to a long lasting and satisfying connection, reflecting the depth and durability of mature relationships.
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