We don't believe in rheumatism and true love until after the first attack.

The quote by Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach uses humor to comment on the unexpected onset of love. By stating, "we don't believe in rheumatism and true love until after the first attack," she draws a witty comparison between the sudden, surprising pain of rheumatism and the sudden, overwhelming experience of falling in love. Both, she suggests, are often doubted or underestimated until personally experienced.

Ebner-Eschenbach’s words highlight the theme of love’s unpredictability. True love often arrives unannounced, catching individuals off guard, much like an unexpected physical ailment. The quote emphasizes that love cannot be fully understood through theory or observation—it must be experienced firsthand to be recognized and appreciated.

The quote also explores the intensity and transformative power of love. Just as a physical attack can disrupt daily life, love has the ability to upend routines, alter perspectives, and evoke strong emotions. It suggests that love, like rheumatism, is both unavoidable and undeniable once it manifests.

Originating from Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach, a 19th-century Austrian writer and aphorist known for her keen observations of human nature and society, this quote reflects her wit, insight, and understanding of the complexities of human emotion. It continues to resonate as a playful yet truthful reminder that the reality of love is often recognized only through personal experience.