“On meurt deux fois, je le vois bien :
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Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable,
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C’est une mort insupportable :
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Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”. Source
This powerful French quote circulates widely online. People often share it to capture a deep truth about life and love. Its message resonates with many. However, a cloud of mystery often surrounds its origin. Many people attribute it to the German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. But is that correct? And what does it truly mean to die twice?
Let’s explore the profound meaning behind these words. We will also uncover the true author of this memorable passage. This quick guide will separate fact from fiction.
The Two Deaths: Unpacking the Quote’s Meaning
First, let’s translate the quote directly into English. It reads:. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe – Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
“One dies twice, I see it well:
To cease to love and to be lovable,
That is an unbearable death:
To cease to live, that is nothing.”
The message is both stark and beautiful. The author argues that we face two kinds of death. The first is an emotional or spiritual death. This happens when we lose the ability to love others. It also occurs when we feel we are no longer worthy of love ourselves. The author calls this death “unsupportable,” or unbearable. In contrast, the second death is physical. This is the simple act of ceasing to live. The author dismisses this as “nothing” in comparison.
The Agony of an Unloving Heart
This quote places immense value on our capacity for connection. To “cease to love” suggests a heart that has grown cold or closed off. Furthermore, to cease “to be lovable” points to a loss of self-worth or a retreat from human connection. It implies a state of total isolation. The author suggests this internal state is the ultimate tragedy. It is a living death far more painful than the end of our physical existence. Consequently, the quote champions love not as a mere emotion but as the very essence of a life worth living. It is the core of our humanity.
Who Really Wrote This? Tracing the Quote’s Origin
While many people associate this quote with Goethe, he did not write it. In fact, its origins lie in 18th-century France. The true author is the famous writer, historian, and philosopher Voltaire.
Voltaire Foundation – University of Oxford included these lines in a 1733 poem. The work is titled “Épître à Madame la Marquise du Châtelet, sur la Calomnie” (Epistle to Madame la Marquise du Châtelet, on Slander). . The poem was a defense of his companion, the brilliant intellectual Émilie du Châtelet, against public slander. Source
Why Do Quotes Get Misattributed?
So why is this quote so often linked to Goethe? This kind of misattribution is common online. Famous figures like Goethe, Einstein, or Shakespeare often have quotes incorrectly assigned to them. This happens because attaching a well-known name gives the words more authority and weight. The internet accelerates this process. A single, unsourced meme can spread misinformation to millions. Therefore, it is always a good idea to verify the source of a quote before sharing it. This ensures we honor the original author’s legacy.
What About Goethe, Love, and Imperfection?
The initial topic mentioned Goethe’s views on love and imperfection. Although Voltaire wrote the “two deaths” quote, Goethe certainly had much to say about love. The German polymath explored the complexities of human relationships throughout his extensive work. His perspective, however, was often different from Voltaire’s.
Goethe’s writings frequently examine love’s transformative power. He saw it not just as a source of joy but also as a force for personal growth. For example, he explored how love challenges us and forces us to confront our own flaws. One of his famous works, The Sorrows of Young Werther, is a deep dive into unrequited love and its devastating consequences. This novel shows his intense interest in the psychological depth of love.
While Voltaire’s quote laments the absence of love, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) work often celebrates its presence, even when it is painful or imperfect. He understood that love and imperfection are deeply intertwined. He recognized that loving someone means accepting them fully, flaws and all. This focus on acceptance and the internal journey of love is a hallmark of his romantic philosophy.
Conclusion: A Timeless Message, A Different Author
In summary, the beautiful quote about dying twice belongs to Voltaire – Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, not Goethe. It delivers a timeless message. It reminds us that a life without love—both given and received—is a tragedy greater than death itself. This idea is a powerful call to cherish our connections with others.
While Goethe was not the author, his own works offer rich, complex explorations of love’s nature. Understanding the true origins of a quote does not diminish its power. Instead, it enriches our appreciation for it. We connect the words to their proper historical and literary context. Ultimately, Voltaire’s poignant lines urge us to keep our hearts open. They remind us that to love and be loved is the very essence of being alive.