Cover of On Love

On Love

by Stendhal

Reading level
Plain English
Price
Free

About the book

"On Love" by Stendhal is a philosophical work developed in 1822 that explores the psychology of falling in love. At its heart lies the concept of "crystallization"—a mental metamorphosis where lovers perceive their beloved through a transforming lens, discovering endless perfections that may be invisible to others. Inspired by a visit to Austrian salt mines, where bare branches become encrusted with dazzling crystals, Stendhal maps the journey from indifference to passionate love through stages of admiration, acknowledgement, hope, and delight.

  • Love

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #53720. On Love on Wikipedia.

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