How Do I Love Thee?
Date: February 14, 2013Category: Author: Infinity Dental Web
Valentine’s Day is celebrated not only in America but also Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia. However, referring to February 14th as ‘Valentine’s Day,’ is not entirely accurate. The complete name of the celebration is ‘St. Valentine’s Day’ in honor of St. Valentine who either died or was buried in mid-February of 720 A.D.
In honor of St. Valentine, we send approximately 150 million Valentine’s Day cards every year, the most greeting cards exchanged after Christmastime. Though some of our Americanized Valentine’s Day traditions are a bit hokey, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most endearing, heart-wrenching quotes about love. Read ‘em and weep.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“How Do I love Thee? Let me count the ways.”
Browning was a prominent British poet of the Victorian Movement in England. The line below, one of poetry’s best-known, is from one of her Sonnets from the Portuguese and was written about her dramatic romance with fellow poet Robert Browning. History.com awards the couple the title of one of the three great romances in American history.
Aristotle
“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.”
The great Greek philosopher and polymath, who was Plato’s pupil and Alexander the Great’s teacher. Aristotle addresses the topic of love and friendship in his writings on ethics. His quote below describes his philosophy of the special love two people find in each other’s virtues.
Ingrid Bergman
“A kiss is a lovely trick, designed by nature, to stop words when speech becomes superfluous.”
Swedish-born Hollywood star in the 1940s and 50s. Bergman’s most revered role is arguably in the infamous 1942 World War II romance Casablanca in which she starred alongside Humphrey Bogart. Given the film has been named the most romantic movie of all time, it’s highly appropriate Bergman’s quote makes this list.
Zora Neale Hurston
“Love makes your soul crawl out of its hiding place.”
A leading writer of early twentieth century African-American literature. A main player in the Harlem Renaissance, Hurston has influenced the likes of Toni Morrison and Alice Walker.
Antoine de Sainte-Exupery
“Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward in the same direction. ”
A French artistocrat, aviator, writer, and poet in the early 1900s. In addition to winning numerous literary awards, Sainte-Exupery was a pilot in the Spanish Civil War and World War II. While living the United States for a few years, he wrote several books including his most famous, “The Little Prince.” He disappeared somewhere over the Mediterranean during a mission for the French air squadron.
Truthfully, there have been so many beautiful things said about love from all kinds of people, including writers, poets, actors, philosophers, musicians, etc. Don’t agree with my list? In your opinion, am I leaving your favorite one? Please share your favorite romantic quote below in the comments! Oh, and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Dr. Mike Malone and his team practice expert cosmetic dentistry in Lafayette, LA. Dr. Malone is the former president and current accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also the official Cosmetic Dentist of the Miss Louisiana USA and Miss Louisiana Teen USA pageants. Check out his website for more information.