It has ever been since time began, and ever will be, till time lose breath, that love is a mood - no more - to man, and love to a woman is life or death.

The quote "It has ever been since time began, and ever will be, till time lose breath, that love is a mood - no more - to man, and love to a woman is life or death." by Ella Wheeler Wilcox explores the differing ways men and women experience love. Wilcox suggests that for men, love is a transient feeling, something that can come and go as a mood, without being a defining force in their lives. In contrast, she implies that for women, love is far more intense, holding the potential to be a matter of life or death—a consuming force that shapes their very existence.

The quote reflects the gendered nature of emotional experiences, particularly the way love has historically been viewed in society. Wilcox's words suggest that women's emotional attachment to love can be far more dramatic and all-encompassing, while men might view love as something more fleeting or less central to their identities. This dichotomy speaks to the historical expectations placed on both genders, where women were often encouraged to prioritize emotional bonds, while men’s relationships with love were often more transactional or less intense.

Wilcox, an American poet, was known for her exploration of romantic themes and human emotions. Her work often delved into the roles of women and love in society, reflecting the cultural views of her time. This quote, written in the late 19th century, is a commentary on the societal norms that shaped the ways men and women were expected to view and engage with romantic relationships.

Ultimately, the quote addresses the deep and often unequal emotional stakes that love holds for men and women. It serves as a reflection on the complexities of gender and emotion, offering insight into how love has been differently valued and experienced across genders, often giving women a more profound, life-defining role in their relationships.