“Love is not love that alters when it alteration finds.”
- April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616
- Born in England
- Playwright, poet, actor
- Wrote many masterpieces such as “Hamlet,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Macbeth,” and had a great influence on English literature
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Quote
“Love is not love that alters when it alteration finds.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 defines true love as a constant, unwavering force that does not change in the face of challenges or obstacles. “Love is not love” means that if love is subject to change or alteration, then it is not genuine love. The phrase “that alters when it alteration finds” suggests that true love remains steady and strong, even when circumstances change, or when the person loved is no longer the same. This quote emphasizes that real love is not contingent upon external conditions, but is something deeper and constant that withstands time, change, or adversity.
In modern contexts, this quote is often used to describe unconditional or steadfast love—the kind of love that does not waver due to external influences, such as physical appearance, personal changes, or life challenges. For example, a romantic relationship that endures through hardships or the passing of time might be seen as an example of this type of true love. The quote suggests that love should be resilient, remaining unchanged even when situations shift, and that love grounded in real commitment and understanding is not shaken by temporary changes.
Ultimately, this quote highlights the idea that authentic love is steadfast and impervious to the temporary forces of time or change. It suggests that true love is not merely an emotion that fluctuates with circumstances, but a constant bond that endures, no matter what alterations or challenges may arise.
