“On meurt deux Source fois, je le vois bien : > > Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable, > > C’est une mort insupportable : > > Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”
This poignant verse is often misattributed to the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. However, its true author is the 18th-century French dramatist Antoine-Marin Lemierre. The words translate to: “We die 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 sentiment is powerful and direct. It suggests that a life without love—both giving it and receiving it—is a fate worse than physical death itself. But in an age of digital connection and shifting social norms, does this dramatic declaration still hold weight?
Antoine-Marin Lemierre | French dramatist
Lemierre’s words tap into a profound human truth. Source The desire for connection is not merely a fleeting want; it is a fundamental need. This idea is a cornerstone of modern psychology. For example, psychologist Abraham Maslow’s famous hierarchy of needs places love and belonging right in the middle of the pyramid, just after basic physiological and safety needs. . Without fulfilling this need, individuals may struggle to achieve higher levels of esteem and self-actualization. Therefore, the quote’s central fear of losing love is deeply rooted in our psychological makeup.
This innate drive explains why the end of a relationship can feel so devastating. It is, in a sense, a small death. We mourn the loss of connection and the shared future we envisioned. The quote captures this emotional reality with stark clarity. It prioritizes our relational and emotional existence over our purely biological one. Indeed, for many, a life devoid of meaningful bonds feels empty and unbearable, just as Lemierre suggested centuries ago.
The Echo of ‘Being Lovable’ in the Digital Age
Today, the concept of being “aimable,” or lovable, has taken on new, complex dimensions. The rise of social media and dating apps has created a public stage for our desirability. Consequently, we curate profiles, count likes, and craft personas designed to attract affection and approval. This digital performance of self can feel like a constant audition for the state of being lovable. The pressure is immense. Every swipe left or unanswered message can feel like a small rejection, amplifying the fear Lemierre described.
Furthermore, the data reflects this digital shift in seeking connection. Source A significant portion of the population now turns to online platforms to find partners. Specifically, studies show that about three-in-ten U.S. adults say they have ever used a dating site or app. . This reliance on technology for something so fundamentally human highlights our enduring quest for love. However, it also subjects our sense of being lovable to algorithms and the fleeting judgments of strangers.
A Modern Critique: The Power of Self-Love
While the quote’s emotional core resonates, a modern perspective might also challenge its premise. Lemierre’s words place an enormous weight on external validation—on being loved by others. The modern wellness and mental health movements, in contrast, champion the concept of self-love and intrinsic self-worth. This contemporary view argues that our value does not depend on whether someone else finds us “aimable.” Instead, it encourages us to build a strong, loving relationship with ourselves first.
From this viewpoint, the idea that ceasing to be lovable is an “unbearable death” can seem outdated and even dangerous. It risks promoting dependency on others for our own happiness and sense of identity. What happens when a relationship ends or when we face rejection? The quote’s framework offers little solace beyond despair. In contrast, modern psychology teaches resilience. It advises us to cultivate a sense of self that can withstand the absence of romantic love, finding fulfillment in friendships, community, personal passions, and, most importantly, within.
An Enduring Question with a New Answer
So, is Lemierre’s sentiment still relevant? The answer is a nuanced yes. The profound human need for love and connection is timeless. The pain of losing it remains one of life’s most difficult experiences. The quote powerfully articulates this deep-seated fear. It reminds us that our emotional lives are central to our existence.
However, our interpretation of this sentiment has evolved. We no longer see love as solely an external resource we must obtain to feel alive. We now understand the critical importance of self-love as the foundation upon which all other healthy relationships are built. Perhaps the modern interpretation of the quote is not about the fear of being unloved by another, but the unbearable death of ceasing to love oneself. In that sense, the words remain as vital and thought-provoking as ever.