Who said "The absence of love is the most abject poverty."?

This quote is attributed to Florentino Ariza.

The absence of love is the most abject poverty. - Florentino Ariza

"The absence of love is the most abject poverty."

Florentino Ariza Love

Character in Love in the Time of Cholera

"No, not rich. I am a poor man with money, which is not the same thing."

"He had always said that no one deserved a long life."

"He was not capable of living without her, but he was capable of living with her absence."

"He would wait for her for the rest of his life if he had to."

"I love my wife, but sometimes she drives me crazy."

"Love conquers all obstacles."

"Love is patient, love is kind."

"I'm not stupid, I'm just in love!"