Saying: Love is not just looking at each other; it’s looking together in the same direction
Info
- Title: Love is not just looking at each other; it’s looking together in the same direction
- Type: Sayings
- Category: { Love and Romance }
- Print: Download as PDF for printing
Love is not just looking at each other; it’s looking together in the same direction. This well-known quote is attributed to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and invites a rethinking of what partnership truly means. Rather than focusing on romantic moments, it emphasizes a deeper understanding of connection. It speaks of a goal that two people pursue together—beyond mere closeness.
Origin and Usage of the Saying
The quote comes from the work Citadelle, published posthumously in 1948 by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. In this philosophical text, the French author reflects on values such as responsibility, community, and human connection. The original wording is: “Aimer, ce n’est pas se regarder l’un l’autre, c’est regarder ensemble dans la même direction.” Since then, the quote has been widely cited—in literary essays, philosophical writings, and speeches about relationships. Its concise phrasing and emotional depth have made it one of the most quoted love sayings in world literature.
Meaning and Interpretation of the Saying
The message of the quote challenges traditional notions of love. It’s not about looking at each other or lingering in the moment, but about a shared focus on a greater goal. Love is portrayed here as a mutual journey along a path that connects both individuals. This perspective shifts the emphasis from feeling to action.
At the same time, the quote highlights the value of togetherness. A committed relationship calls for a shared vision, a direction in which both partners aim and act. This includes compromise, trust, and long-term thinking—elements that are often underestimated but crucial for lasting relationships.
The sentence also reflects a certain maturity in love. True closeness arises not only from emotional bonding but from shared goals, values, and outlooks. The quote thus encourages deeper reflection on partnership and planning for the future.
Interestingly, it also subtly critiques superficial ideals of love. While many concepts of love focus on feelings and attraction, Saint-Exupéry points to the necessity of shared purpose. Love as a forward-moving connection becomes an alternative to pure romance—without excluding it entirely.
Overall, the quote invites us to rethink our understanding of love. It’s about perspective, direction, and shared development—qualities that are increasingly relevant in today’s fast-paced world. Looking in the same direction becomes a metaphor for a shared future in which individuality and unity coexist.