The character described reflects a profound and intense kind of love, one that seems both admirable and destructive. He was willing to sacrifice everything, even his own soul, for the sake of this love, believing that such devotion would lead him to eternal damnation. This suggests a deep internal conflict, where love is perceived as a double-edged sword, capable of both elevating and destroying one's essence.
Yet, this mindset highlights a stark contrast to contemporary perceptions of love. The speaker observes that such passionate, albeit reckless feelings are rare today, hinting that perhaps only those deemed "maniacs" or "monsters" are capable of experiencing this degree of fervor. This raises questions about the nature of love and whether true devotion involves self-sacrifice or if it's merely a byproduct of madness.