To be in love is merely to be in a state of perceptual anesthesia – to mistake an ordinary young man for a Greek god or an ordinary young woman for a goddess.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The essence of the quote lies in its contemplation of the nature of love and the perceptual shift that accompanies it. The metaphorical concept of "perceptual anesthesia" introduces the idea that being in love alters our perception, akin to a state of anesthesia numbing the senses. In this altered state, ordinary individuals take on extraordinary qualities, as if a mundane young man transforms into a divine Greek god, and a commonplace young woman assumes the stature of a goddess.
Love, as described here, is portrayed not as a rational or objective experience, but rather as a subjective and emotionally charged state. The quote suggests that love has the power to blur the lines between reality and illusion, allowing us to see our romantic interests through a heightened lens. This perceptual shift is likened to anesthesia, where the pain of ordinary existence is momentarily dulled, and a romanticized vision takes precedence.
The analogy of mistaking an ordinary person for a deity sheds light on the idealization inherent in romantic love. It implies that love has the capacity to elevate the beloved to a pedestal of perfection, where flaws are overlooked, and mundane qualities are transfigured into something divine. This idealization, however, is portrayed as a perceptual illusion – a product of the altered state of being in love.
Furthermore, the use of Greek gods and goddesses in the metaphor adds a layer of classical mythology, suggesting that the romanticized perception in love is deeply rooted in cultural archetypes. The reference to Greek gods implies a historical and cultural backdrop where gods were idealized and venerated figures, contributing to the timeless and universal nature of the quote's message.
In essence, the quote invites reflection on the nature of love, highlighting its transformative and sometimes illusory qualities. It prompts us to consider the perceptual shifts that occur when we are in love, where ordinary individuals become extraordinary in our eyes. At the same time, it serves as a cautionary note, reminding us that these idealizations may not always align with reality, as they are products of the perceptual anesthesia induced by love's intoxicating influence.
Who said the quote?
The quote "To be in love is merely to be in a state of perceptual anesthesia – to mistake an ordinary young man for a Greek god or an ordinary young woman for a goddess." is often attributed to H. L. Mencken (Quotes). H. L. Mencken was a provocative and witty American journalist known for his sharp critique of society and politics.
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.
