The Art of Love Quotes

by

Quotes

"Let love steal in disguised as friendship."

Ovid, Book I

Ovid promotes affection last in his book. He supports a relationship that is based off the framework of flirting, like one long flirtation. It's a question of end-game. In this quotation, he is suggesting that one should not try to force a relationship to progress according to some plan but to allow it to unfold naturally.

"To be loved, be lovable."

Ovid, Book II

Ovid doesn't avoid being direct here. Having trouble in your love life? Perhaps you are the problem and not your lovers. With an earnest desire to love others, you will in turn find yourself being loved and adored.

"I am the poor man's poet; because I am poor myself and I have known what it is to be in love. Not being able to pay them in presents, I pay my mistresses in poetry."

Ovid, Book II

Ovid comes from a humble background. As a poet, he impresses his lady friends with words instead of riches. Above all, he says, you should give her gifts, but don't worry if you can't afford much. She will appreciate whatever you give out of genuine toil and thoughtfulness.

"We all conceal a god within us, we all deal with heaven direct, from whose high places we derive

The inspiration by which we live."

Ovid, Book II

Ovid seems to believe in the innate divinity of mankind. Whatever your true self is, it is divine. Staying true to that inner power, will result in a blessed life. Even if someone doesn't know the voice inside them, they are making choices based off what it's saying to them.

Update this section!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this section.

Update this section

After you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.

Cite this page

Study Guide for The Art of Love

The Art of Love study guide contains a biography of Ovid, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Read the Study Guide for The Art of Love…

Essays for The Art of Love

The Art of Love literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Art of Love by Ovid.

Wikipedia Entries for The Art of Love

View Wikipedia Entries for The Art of Love…