Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Emotional connection and being seen clearly are more intimate than physical touch, suggesting a deep spiritual or romantic bond.
In plain terms
Being seen clearly is more intimate than touching.
What can you take from it?
True connection comes from being understood.

Where it applies

  • romantic relationships
  • deep friendships
  • intimate moments

Putting it to work

  • seek deep understanding
  • value emotional presence

Questions to consider

  • What feels more intimate to you?
  • How do you seek connection?

Another view

It idealizes non-physical connection over physical closeness.

More from Henry van Dyke

  1. Religion? Yes, I know it well; I've heard its prayers and creeds, And seen men put them all to shame with poor, half-hearted deeds. They follow Christ, but far…

    Permalink to quote #23
  2. There are many kinds of love, as many kinds of light, And every kind of love makes a glory in the night. There is love that stirs the heart, and love that give…

    Permalink to quote #25
  3. The world is full of warfare 'twixt the evil and the good; I watched the battle from afar as one who understood The shouting and confusion, the bloody, blunder…

    Permalink to quote #22

Related quotes

  1. 'Are you anything akin to me, do you think, Jane?' I could risk no sort of answer by this time; my heart was full. 'Because,' he said, 'I sometimes have a quee…

    Charlotte BronteCharlotte Bronte quote #26
  2. I can hear her heart beat from a thousand miles And the heavens open everytime she smiles And when I come to her that's where I belong Yet I'm running to her l…

    Van MorrisonVan Morrison quote #24
  3. It is a curious subject of observation and inquiry, whether hatred and love be not the same thing at bottom. Each, in its utmost development, supposes a high d…

    Nathaniel HawthorneNathaniel Hawthorne quote #53