In "Between Friends: The Correspondence of Hannah Arendt and Mary McCarthy, 1949-1975," author Mary McCarthy explores the dynamic and sometimes complex nature of love and relationships. She questions the value of love if it does not lead to growth or change in the individuals involved. This thought-provoking perspective suggests that love should inspire action and transformation rather than stagnation.

The quote emphasizes that simply falling in love is not enough; it should prompt meaningful progress in one's life. McCarthy's correspondence with Arendt illustrates this idea, highlighting their intellectual engagement and emotional evolution, reinforcing the notion that love should be a catalyst for personal development.