In this quote, Dorothy Dunnett emphasizes that true love for an individual cannot be fully expressed or understood in isolation. It requires a broader sense of compassion and connection with humanity as a whole, suggesting that developing genuine love involves understanding and accepting others as part of our shared human experience.
She also points out that adult love is complex and requires certain qualities, such as empathy and patience, which are difficult to cultivate if one is consumed by resentment or emotional barriers. Ultimately, loving effectively involves fostering positive relationships not just with one person, but with everyone around us.