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We believe we are hurt when we don't receive love. But…

“We believe we are hurt when we don't receive love. But that is not what hurts us. Our pain comes when we do not give love. We were born to love. You might say that we are divinely created love machines. We function most powerfully when we are giving love. The world has led us to believe that our…” quote by Alan Cohen
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“We believe we are hurt when we don't receive love. But that is not what hurts us. Our pain comes when we do not give love. We were born to love. You might say that we are divinely created love machines. We function most powerfully when we are giving love. The world has led us to believe that our wellbeing is dependent on other people loving us. But this is kind of upside down thinking that has caused so many of our problems. The truth is our well being is dependent on our giving love. It is not about what comes back; it is about what goes out!”

Alan Cohen

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Our suffering stems from withholding love; true wellbeing arises when we freely give love to others.

In simple terms: Pain comes from not giving love.

Key Takeaway

Give love freely.

Themes

love selflessness wellbeing

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • volunteering
  • parenting
  • community service

Key Concepts

reciprocity self-actualization emotional health

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you give love without losing yourself?
  • What limits do you set when loving others?
A Different Perspective

Giving love alone doesn't guarantee reciprocation; boundaries still matter.

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