In Anaïs Nin's "The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Vol. 3: 1939-1944," the author reflects on the profound impact of desire. She contemplates how simple gestures, such as a walk, can evoke deep emotional responses and stir intense feelings within us. This phenomenon is portrayed as a mystery, highlighting the complexity and power of desire that captivates our senses and emotions.

Nin describes the experience of love as unparalleled, emphasizing that nothing—neither drugs nor alcohol—can match the intoxicating effects of love sickness. The sensations associated with desire, such as heart fluttering and emotional sensitivity, are depicted as both enchanting and consuming, illustrating how love can profoundly influence one's state of being.