Jean de la Bruyere: 'At the beginning and at the end of love, the two lovers are embarrassed to find themselves alone.'

At the beginning and at the end of love, the two lovers are embarrassed to find themselves alone.

Jean de la Bruyere's quote, "At the beginning and at the end of love, the two lovers are embarrassed to find themselves alone," encapsulates the paradoxical nature of love and relationships. At first glance, this quote suggests that at the onset of a new romantic connection or at the conclusion of a love affair, the lovers experience a discomfort or unease when left alone with their thoughts and emotions. The beginning of a relationship can be characterized by excitement, infatuation, and a whirlwind of emotions that distract individuals from their inner selves. Similarly, the end of a love story often brings about feelings of loneliness, reflection, and introspection, wherein individuals confront their true feelings and vulnerabilities with a sense of discomfort.This quote underscores the profound impact that love has on individuals and the complex emotions that come with it. It speaks to the transient and sometimes unsettling nature of romantic relationships, highlighting the vulnerability and self-discovery that accompany love, both in its inception and its demise. However, delving deeper into this idea, one can introduce the unexpected philosophical concept of existentialism to shed new light on the quote.Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, offers a unique perspective on the complexities of human relationships and the experience of love. According to existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, individuals are defined by their actions, decisions, and authentic engagement with the world around them. In the context of love, existentialism challenges us to confront the reality of our own existence and the choices we make in relationships.When applying existentialist principles to de la Bruyere's quote, we can see that the discomfort experienced by lovers at the beginning and end of a relationship is not merely a product of external circumstances but a reflection of their internal struggles and existential dilemmas. At the beginning of love, individuals may feel overwhelmed by the intensity of their emotions and the choices they face in defining the parameters of the relationship. Similarly, at the end of love, individuals are forced to confront the reality of their own existence and the consequences of their choices as they navigate the aftermath of a breakup or separation.In essence, the quote by de la Bruyere serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that love has on our lives and the internal conflicts that arise from our connections with others. By introducing the philosophical concept of existentialism, we can deepen our understanding of the complexities of relationships and the personal growth that comes from confronting the challenges of love. Ultimately, the quote invites us to embrace the discomfort of solitude, to confront our inner selves with courage and authenticity, and to find meaning and purpose in the ebb and flow of love's journey.