They who love in excess also hate in excess. Aristotle Quotes in English
The quote "They who love in excess also hate in excess" by Aristotle is a deep reflection on the nature of strong emotions. This statement suggests that people who feel love very intensely can just as easily feel hate with the same level of intensity. Here is an expanded explanation of its meaning:
Firstly, Aristotle points out the risks that come with feeling emotions too strongly. When someone loves "in excess," they are caught up in intense feelings that can change very quickly. Because they are ruled by their passions, not by logical thought, their love can flip to hate almost instantaneously. This lack of balance within their emotional life can lead to problems.
Secondly, love and hate are closely connected. They are like two parts of the same emotional spectrum. Both emotions require a strong connection to someone or something. When a person has the ability to love deeply, they also have the potential to hate deeply. If their loved one does not meet their expectations or lets them down, the strong feelings of love can turn into strong feelings of hate. This shows how closely tied these emotions are to each other, fueled by the same level of passion.
Aristotle emphasizes the need for self-control and moderation in life. He believed that being moderate in one’s feelings is essential for living a good life. When a person swings between extreme love and hate, it shows a lack of self-control. This emotional instability can cause issues in personal relationships and can harm one’s overall well-being.
In the context of relationships, people who love too much often create unrealistic expectations of their partners. When these expectations are not met, the love they once felt can quickly change into hatred. This creates an unstable environment where relationships are filled with emotional ups and downs. Such volatility makes it hard for people to maintain healthy connections with others.
Finally, this quote highlights Aristotle’s broader belief that balance is crucial for a good life. Instead of letting emotions swing from love to hate, he encourages people to seek balance. By having reasonable emotional connections that are not easily swayed by fleeting feelings, individuals can lead healthier and more stable lives.
In summary, Aristotle’s quote warns against the dangers of having extreme emotional responses, whether they are feelings of love or hate. He advises that intense emotions can shift easily from one side to the other. Therefore, it is crucial to strive for moderation and emotional balance, which leads to better relationships and a more stable sense of self.