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Confuse not love with the raptures of possession, which…

“Confuse not love with the raptures of possession, which bring the cruellest of sufferings. For, notwithstanding the general opinion, love does not cause suffering: what causes it is the sense of ownership, which is love's opposite.” quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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“Confuse not love with the raptures of possession, which bring the cruellest of sufferings. For, notwithstanding the general opinion, love does not cause suffering: what causes it is the sense of ownership, which is love's opposite.”

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

About This Quote

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

Love becomes suffering when it turns into ownership; true love is free of possessiveness.

In simple terms: Love without ownership avoids suffering.

Key Takeaway

Practice loving without clinging.

Themes

love ownership freedom

Mood

thoughtful gentle

Type

philosophical relationship

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • parenting
  • friendships
  • team dynamics

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you distinguish love from possessive attachment?
  • What practices foster non‑possessive love?
A Different Perspective

Some may argue that attachment can be healthy and not always cause suffering.

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