I saw my reflection in their eyes, but not the men themselves, not clearly. This preserved the idea that all intelligent and even vaguely attractive men were essentially good. Delusion detest focus and romance provides the veil.
This quote explores the tendency of human perception to idealize others based on superficial impressions rather than a clear and complete understanding. The imagery of seeing one's reflection in their eyes suggests a projection of self onto others, a mirror that reveals more about one's own hopes and biases than about the reality of the people observed. The phrase 'not the men themselves, not clearly' hints at a superficial or distorted view—an illusion that smears reality into a more palatable narrative. The writer reflects on how this distorted perception creates an enduring belief that intelligent or attractive men are inherently good, which may not always hold true upon deeper scrutiny. The mention of 'delusion' attests to the human tendency to avoid uncomfortable truths by focusing on romantic notions or idealized images, which act as veils concealing flaws and complexities. The statement implicitly questions the reliability of romanticized perceptions—how we often choose to see the ideal rather than the real—and highlights the dangers of falling for illusions rather than seeking understanding grounded in truth. Such delusions can provide comfort and hope, yet they also hinder genuine connection or growth because they are built on illusions rather than reality. This quote encourages a reflective stance towards relationships and perceptions, urging mindfulness about the ways romance and superficial admiration may obscure core truths about others and ourselves.
