Meaning: This quote by Elizabeth Bowen, a renowned novelist, delves into the complex nature of human relationships and the impact of absence on our perception of others. Bowen suggests that while the heart may believe it can maintain connections with absent friends, the senses understand that physical absence can lead to a feeling of people being erased from our lives. This idea raises questions about the nature of friendship, memory, and the ways in which we maintain connections with those who are not physically present.

In the first part of the quote, Bowen introduces the idea that the heart may believe it knows better than the senses when it comes to maintaining connections with absent friends. This can be interpreted as the emotional attachment we feel towards our friends leading us to believe that their absence does not diminish the strength of our bond. However, Bowen challenges this notion by asserting that the senses, which are more attuned to the tangible aspects of human experience, recognize that absence has the power to erase people from our lives in a certain sense. This contrast between the heart and the senses invites reflection on the complexities of human emotions and perceptions.

Bowen's assertion that "we really have no absent friends" emphasizes the profound impact of physical absence on our relationships. This statement can be seen as a reminder that the absence of a friend can make it difficult to maintain a sense of connection and presence in our lives. While we may carry memories and feelings for absent friends, the physical void left by their absence can create a sense of distance and separation that challenges the notion of continued friendship.

The quote also raises questions about the nature of friendship and the ways in which we maintain connections with absent friends. It prompts consideration of how we keep the presence of absent friends alive in our lives, whether through memories, communication, or other means of connection. It also invites contemplation of the impact of absence on our emotional and psychological well-being, as well as on the dynamics of our relationships with others.

Furthermore, the quote hints at the power of memory and the role it plays in sustaining connections with absent friends. While physical absence may create a sense of absence or erasure, memories can serve as a means of keeping absent friends present in our lives. However, Bowen's words suggest that even memories may not fully bridge the gap created by absence, highlighting the profound impact of physical presence in our relationships.

In conclusion, Elizabeth Bowen's quote delves into the intricate interplay between the heart, the senses, and the impact of absence on our relationships. It sheds light on the complexities of human emotions, the nature of friendship, and the ways in which we navigate the absence of those we care about. By challenging the idea of absent friends, Bowen invites us to contemplate the profound impact of physical absence on our perceptions and experiences of connection with others.