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.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote is a beautiful metaphorical depiction of the evolution of love over time. It likens love to a fire, which begins with a spark, intensifies into a flame, and eventually settles into a steady, warm glow of burning coals.
When the quote mentions, "love is like a friendship caught on fire," it portrays the progression of a relationship from friendship, with its foundation of mutual understanding and respect, igniting into something more intense and passionate - love. The fire symbolizes the passion, excitement, and energy of new love, which can be beautiful, hot, and fierce, but also fragile and unstable, just like a flickering flame.
As the quote continues, it depicts how love matures over time. As the initial flame of passion may subside, it doesn't mean that love diminishes. Instead, it transforms into something deeper and more stable. This transition is likened to burning coals, which might not have the obvious and dramatic presence of a flame, but their heat is more enduring and consistent, capable of withstanding the winds of time.
The phrase "deep-burning and unquenchable" suggests a love that is profound, resilient, and everlasting. It's no longer just about the thrill and intensity of the flame, but the warmth, comfort, and steadiness of the coals.
The quote thus beautifully illustrates the journey of love, from the initial spark of attraction and passion to the deep, lasting bond that matures over time, offering a perspective that love, like a good fire, requires time to grow and flourish.
Who said the quote?
The quote "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." was said by Bruce Lee (Bio / Quotes). Bruce Lee was a Hong Kong-American martial artist, actor, and philosopher who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of martial arts.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The love story of Pierre and Marie Curie exemplifies the transformative nature of love over time. Pierre Curie, a French physicist, and Marie Skłodowska Curie, a Polish physicist, met in the late 19th century when they were both pursuing scientific research. Their friendship and shared passion for science blossomed into a deep and profound love.
In the early stages of their relationship, their love can be likened to a flame. It was vibrant, passionate, and fueled by their mutual interests and intellectual connection. Together, they conducted groundbreaking research in the field of radioactivity, ultimately leading to the discovery of polonium and radium.
However, tragedy struck when Pierre Curie died in a tragic accident in 1906. Despite the immense grief and loss, Marie Curie's love for her late husband endured and evolved. She continued their scientific work and dedicated herself to their shared legacy. Her love for Pierre became like coals, burning deep within her as she carried on their scientific endeavors and made significant contributions to the fields of physics and chemistry.
Marie Curie's perseverance, determination, and unwavering commitment to their shared passion serve as a testament to the enduring power of love. Their love was not extinguished by the passing of time or the challenges they faced. Instead, it matured into a profound and unquenchable force that fueled Marie's pursuit of scientific knowledge and advancements.
This historical example illustrates the idea that love, like a friendship caught on fire, evolves and grows deeper as it weathers the trials of life. It demonstrates that love can transform from an initial flame of passion into a steadfast and enduring force that guides individuals through adversity and inspires them to make lasting contributions to their chosen paths. It emphasizes the transformative power of love and its ability to ignite the human spirit, allowing individuals to reach new heights and leave a lasting legacy.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
The quote "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" beautifully describes the evolution of love and its transformation over time. Here's how this quote can be applied in a real-life scenario:
Romantic Relationships: In the context of romantic relationships, the quote highlights the stages and depth of love. At the beginning of a relationship, there is often an intense and passionate flame that is visually striking and captivating. However, as the relationship progresses, the initial fervor may transition into a more profound connection that is grounded in understanding, companionship, and shared experiences. The love matures into a deep-burning fire that withstands the test of time, remaining strong and unquenchable.
Long-Term Friendships: The quote can also apply to long-lasting friendships. Friendships often start with a spark, where two individuals connect and enjoy the excitement of getting to know each other. As the friendship matures, it deepens, and the connection becomes stronger. The bond evolves into a profound and enduring friendship, akin to deep-burning coals that radiate warmth, reliability, and support.
Family Relationships: Within family relationships, the quote suggests that love evolves and strengthens over time. The initial affection and care between family members grow deeper and more enduring as hearts mature. Family members develop a strong sense of connection and commitment that transcends passing emotions, creating a lasting and unbreakable bond.
Personal Growth and Commitment: The quote can also be applied to personal growth and self-love. It emphasizes the importance of personal development and the transformation of love within oneself. As individuals mature emotionally and gain self-awareness, their capacity for love deepens. Self-love becomes a steady, unwavering flame that fuels personal growth and creates a strong foundation for relationships with others.
In summary, the quote illustrates the progression of love from an initial fiery passion to a deep-burning and unquenchable flame. It can be applied to various real-life scenarios, including romantic relationships, friendships, family bonds, and personal growth. It emphasizes the transformative power of love and the enduring strength it acquires as it matures over time.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
