The things you love too much perish"-After Shostakovich and Volkov, p. 78. The composer goes on: "You have to treat everything with irony, especially the things you hold dear.
In "Europe Central," William T. Vollmann discusses the complexities of passion and attachment, highlighting the inherent dangers of loving something too intensely. He cites a poignant quote that suggests that excessive love can lead to loss or destruction of what one cherishes. This reflects a universal truth about the transient nature of happiness and the fragility of our attachments.
The author further explores the idea that a degree of irony is necessary when it comes to our most beloved aspects of life. By treating our passions with a sense of irony, we can protect ourselves from the inevitable disappointments that arise from vulnerability. Vollmann encourages readers to maintain a balanced perspective, suggesting that humor and skepticism can provide a safeguard against the pain of losing what we hold dear.
