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Love, the strongest and deepest element in all life, the harbinger of hope, of joy, of ecstasy; love, the defier of all laws, of all conventions; love, the freest, the most powerful moulder of human destiny; how can such an all-compelling force be synonymous with that poor little State and Church-begotten weed, marriage? Free love? As if love is anything but free! Man has bought brains, but all the millions in the world have failed to buy love. Man has subdued bodies, but all the power on earth has been unable to subdue love. Man has conquered whole nations, but all his armies could not conquer love. Man has chained and fettered the spirit, but he has been utterly helpless before love. High on a throne, with all the splendor and pomp his gold can command, man is yet poor and desolate, if love passes him by. And if it stays, the poorest hovel is radiant with warmth, with life and color. Thus love has the magic power to make of a beggar a king. Yes, love is free; it can dwell in no other atmosphere.

Emma Goldman#4

FreedomRelationshipsLoveMarriage

About this quote

What does it mean?
Love is a powerful, free force that cannot be controlled by laws or marriage.
In plain terms
Love is free and powerful, unlike marriage.
What can you take from it?
Value love as a free and powerful force.

Where it applies

  • relationships
  • personal choices
  • social norms

Putting it to work

  • value authenticity
  • reject rigid norms
  • cherish connection

Questions to consider

  • Can love truly be free from social norms?
  • Is marriage necessary for love?

Another view

Some people find security and joy within traditional marriage.

More from Emma Goldman

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  3. Someone has said that it requires less mental effort to condemn than to think.

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