This quote eloquently underscores the profound influence that literature can have on our understanding of human experience. It suggests that books serve as a primary scaffold in shaping our perceptions, emotions, and relationships even more than personal encounters do. Through reading, we explore the concept of love—not only its passions and tenderness but also its pains and complexities—from the safety of our minds before experiencing it firsthand. The metaphor of being conditioned by reading implies that our expectations, ideals, and fears about love are often formulated through stories and characters we've admired or empathized with in books.

This perspective illuminates the vital role of literature in developing empathy and emotional intelligence. When we immerse ourselves in stories, we live vicariously through others, gaining insights into dilemmas and joys that extend beyond our direct experience. It also raises intriguing questions about authenticity; if our understanding of love is rooted predominantly in fiction, what does that mean for genuine connection? Moreover, the mention of a father's library introduces a generational and cultural dimension, implying that access to certain types of knowledge and narratives can influence one's life trajectory and emotional landscape.

Overall, this quote invites reflection on how profoundly books shape the core of our identities. It emphasizes literature's power to teach us about the depths of human emotion long before they are experienced in reality. As readers, we internalize these lessons, which influence our feelings, hopes, fears, and perceptions of others—sometimes beyond our conscious awareness.