The quote from Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita" reflects a duality between emotional survival and intellectual confusion. The phrase suggests that while gin provided the narrator with a sense of vitality or emotional resilience, it also clouded his judgment and thought processes. This highlights how substances can provide temporary relief or comfort, yet simultaneously impair clarity and insight.

Nabokov uses this contrast to delve deeper into the complex nature of human experience. The juxtaposition of keeping the heart alive while bemusing the brain illustrates the struggle between seeking solace and facing reality. It raises questions about the costs of indulgence and the sacrifices made for fleeting moments of happiness.