When you think about love, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
People feel it in all kinds of ways, don’t they?
Here, we’ve gathered memorable quotes about love—from philosophers to novelists—that will make you think, “So that’s another way to see it.”
They say “love is blind,” but sometimes it’s important to pause and reflect, too.
Among them, the words of Erich Fromm—known for his book “The Art of Loving”—are especially moving.
Be sure to find your own favorite quotes among these.
Love One-Liners: A collection of recommended love quotes (1–10) drawn from the words of philosophers, writers, and famous figures
If you do not love, you cannot learn how to love.Iris Murdoch
If you don't love, you can't learn how to love. #quote
These are the words of Iris Murdoch, who was active in Ireland as a philosopher, writer, and poet, expressing a view on what love is and how we come to know how to love.
She says that practicing love is more important than thinking about how to love, and that failures in the act of loving itself lead to learning how to love.
It’s a perspective that overlaps with the proverb “Seeing is believing,” conveying that practice comes first.
Rather than agonizing over it, take action first—and within that, you’ll gain your learning.
[Tear-Inducing and Moving Quotes] A Collection of Heart-Touching, Inspiring Love Quotes
Known as a Western proverb, this saying is short yet very profound.
We humans often fail to notice what is right in front of us, and only realize its value after losing it—something anyone who has been in love can probably relate to.
If possible, it would be best to cherish your partner or the person you love before things turn out like the proverb warns.
Love that does not know the sweetness of forgiveness is not love.John Greenleaf Whittier
Describing the act of forgiving as something sweet is a profound quote.
It’s by John Greenleaf Whittier, an American poet who also supported the abolition of slavery.
Does “forgive” here mean to accept? Even if someone is your lover, they’re still another person, so there will be things you can’t fully understand about each other.
But by accepting all of that, new possibilities may arise, and your love might deepen.
The act of forgiving is also connected to acknowledging the other person, so it would be wonderful if both people could do that.
Humans are endowed with a heart from heaven in order to love.Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux
People are endowed with a heart from heaven so that they may love others. — Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux (French poet) #quote
What is the reason we have a heart? The French poet and critic Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux said it is for loving.
It’s a very romantic way of thinking, but without a heart, you would never come to love someone.
Feeling fondness for someone or sensing that someone is special—all of that comes from your heart.
If you want to convey your feelings to someone important, it might be good not to overthink it, and to put your words into the world just as your heaven-given heart presents them.