Quotation

Ah, good evening. I decided to delve into one of the five billion books I have to read before next Friday and found something that I thought put a few things, well, rather nicely. So thought I'd expand your knowledge, dear Reader, and let you in on it too. From Mary Wollstonecroft, 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman'. (And can I just add that I've found someone with more of an affection for the humble comma than even I, who enthusiastically throws them around the place to adorn my sentences).

Love, the common passion, in which chance and sensation take place of choice and reason, is, in some degree, felt by the mass of mankind; for it is not necessary to speak, at present, of the emotions that rise above or sink below love. This passion, naturally increased by suspense and difficulties, draws the mind out of its accustomed state, and exalts the affections; but the security of marriage allowing the fever of love to subside, a healthy temperature is thought insipid only by those who have not sufficient intellect to substitute the calm tenderness of friendship, the confidence of respect, instead of blind admiration, and the sensual emotions of fondness.
This is, must be, the course of nature. Friendship or indifference inevitably succeeds love... Passions are spurs to action, and open the mind; but they sink into mere appetites, become a personal and momentary gratification when the object is gained, and the satisfied mind rests in enjoyment.

Well, I liked it anyway.