You know, that line “I am two women: one wants to have all the joy…” It’s not just a quote, it’s a mirror. It perfectly captures the internal tug-of-war so many of us feel between our desire for a passionate, adventurous life and our deep, equally valid need for stability and peace.
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Meaning
At its core, this is about the fundamental human conflict between our yearning for ecstatic, passionate experiences and our equally powerful craving for serene, grounded tranquility. It’s the self divided.
Explanation
Look, we often talk about this as a “work-life balance” thing, but it’s so much deeper than that. It’s an identity-level tension. The “adventure” self isn’t just about travel or thrill-seeking; it’s the part of you that craves intensity, deep connection, maybe even a little chaos—the part that wants to feel everything, fully. The “peace” self isn’t boring or timid; it’s your anchor, your sanctuary. It’s the part that knows you can’t sustain the high-octane energy forever. The real magic, the real work, isn’t in choosing one over the other. It’s in learning to hold space for both. To let them coexist. Because that tension? That’s where a truly whole, integrated life is forged.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Category | Emotion (177) |
| Topics | balance (95), duality (2), identity (102) |
| Literary Style | reflective (255) |
| Emotion / Mood | introspective (55), poetic (1) |
| Overall Quote Score | 83 (302) |
Origin & Factcheck
This comes straight from Paulo Coelho’s 2003 novel, “Eleven Minutes.” It’s spoken by the main character, Maria. Sometimes you’ll see it misattributed to other authors or self-help gurus, but its true home is in that specific fictional narrative exploring sexuality, love, and the search for self.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Paulo Coelho (368) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Eleven Minutes (47) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Paulo Coelho(1947) is a world acclaimed novelist known for his writings which covers spirituality with underlying human emotion with a profound storytelling. His transformative pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago inspired his breakthrough book, The Pilgrimage which is soon followed by The Alchemist< which went on to become the best seller. Through mystical narratives and introspective style, Paulo Coelho even today inspires millions of people who are seeking meaning and purpose in their life
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | I am two women: one wants to have all the joy, passion, and adventure; the other wants to be calm, in peace, and at home |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 2003 (Brazil); ISBN: 978-0-06-058928-8; Latest Edition: HarperCollins 2004; 288 pages. |
| Where is it? | Chapter 26, Approximate page from 2003 edition |