God created man, and finding him not sufficiently alone, gave him a female companion so that he might feel his solitude more acutely.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Valery suggests that companionship does not eliminate solitude but instead highlights it by providing a contrast.
- In plain terms
- Having a partner makes you more aware of how alone you truly are.
- What can you take from it?
- Connection can deepen self-awareness rather than resolve isolation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does companionship reduce or reveal loneliness?
- How do you define solitude?
Another view
This view is pessimistic and ignores the genuine comfort companionship can provide.
More from Paul Valery
That which has always been accepted by everyone, everywhere, is almost certain to be false.
Permalink to quote #16 The purpose of psychology is to give us a completely different idea of the things we know best.
Permalink to quote #18 Poe is the only impeccable writer. He was never mistaken.
Permalink to quote #15
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