I've always known that the quality of love was the mind, even though the body sometimes refuses this knowledge. The body lives for itself. It lives only to feed and wait for the night. It's essentially nocturnal. But what of the mind which is born of the sun, William, and must spend thousands of hours of a lifetime awake and aware? Can you balance off the body, that pitiful, selfish thing of night against a whole lifetime of sun and intellect? I don't know. I only know there has been your mind here and my mind here, and the afternoons have been like none I can remember.
The quote reflects on the dichotomy between the physical and mental aspects of love and existence. The speaker acknowledges that while the body has its own selfish desires and instincts, primarily living for itself and seeking immediate gratification, the mind yearns for deeper connection and knowledge. This tension between bodily instincts and the intellectual and emotional pursuits of the mind creates a struggle between temporary satisfaction and lasting fulfillment.
The speaker also emphasizes the significance of shared moments, suggesting that true connection occurs when minds engage in meaningful ways. Despite the body's limitations, which are often bound to night and basic survival, the mind seeks enlightenment during the day. This interplay invites contemplation on whether one can truly reconcile the instincts of the body with the aspirations of the mind throughout a lifetime filled with awareness and experience.