If this be not love, it is madness, and then it is pardonable.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- If something isn’t love, it must be madness, and madness can be forgiven.
- In plain terms
- If it’s not love, it’s madness, which is excusable.
- What can you take from it?
- Distinguish between love and irrational passion before judging.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What criteria separate love from madness for you?
- How does forgiveness affect accountability?
Another view
Labeling intense feelings as madness may dismiss legitimate concerns.
More from William Congreve
Eternity was in that moment.
Permalink to quote #7 Men are apt to offend ('tis true) where they find most goodness to forgive.
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Permalink to quote #6
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