Logo - Feel The Words

Unfaithful Quotes

Unfaithfulness explored through both language and love.

Half of this page uses 'unfaithful' to talk about translation, arguing an original text can itself be unfaithful to how it eventually gets rendered elsewhere, tied loosely to conflict between versions.

Often, the idea that there can be a wide range of translations of one text doesn't occur to people - or that a translation could be bad, very bad, and unfaithful to the original.

Quotes by Lydia Davis

The original is unfaithful to the translation.

Quotes by Jorge Luis Borges

My affections are easily swayed and I can be very unfaithful.

Quotes by Dusty Springfield

It is better to be unfaithful than to be faithful without wanting to be.

Quotes by Brigitte Bardot

Betrayal Quotes

It's better to be unfaithful than faithful without wanting to be.

Quotes by Brigitte Bardot

Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'unfaithful' used in the translation-related quotes?
One quote flips the usual idea, suggesting the original text can itself be unfaithful to how it's eventually translated, rather than blaming the translation alone. It's a more literary, less personal use of the word.
Is there a quote acknowledging that translations can be flawed?
Yes, one line notes that people often overlook how a translation can be bad, even very bad, and genuinely unfaithful to its source. It adds nuance to the more abstract translation quote nearby.
Does any quote address personal unfaithfulness directly?
Yes, one speaker admits their affections are easily swayed and that they can be very unfaithful, a candid personal confession. It contrasts sharply with the more academic tone of the translation quotes.
What does the quote about being unfaithful versus faithful mean?
It argues it's better to be openly unfaithful than to stay faithful without genuinely wanting to, valuing honesty over obligation. It's the most philosophical statement on the page.
Are these quotes only about romantic relationships?
No, roughly half deal with translation and language rather than romance, which is part of what makes this small collection unusually varied. The two themes don't overlap directly, only through the shared word.

The other half turns personal, with one voice admitting easily swayed affections and outright betrayal, arguing it's better to be honestly unfaithful than faithful without wanting to be.