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One is not loved accidentally; one’s own power to love…

“One is not loved accidentally; one’s own power to love produces love - just as being interested makes one interesting. People are concerned with the question of whether they are attractive while they forget that the essence of attractiveness is their own capacity to love. To love a person…” quote by Erich Fromm
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““One is not loved accidentally; one’s own power to love produces love - just as being interested makes one interesting. People are concerned with the question of whether they are attractive while they forget that the essence of attractiveness is their own capacity to love. To love a person productively implies to care and to feel responsible for his life, not only for his physical existence but for the growth and development of all his human powers. To love productively is incompatible with being passive, with being an onlooker at the loved person’s life; it implies labor and care and the responsibility for his growth.””

Erich Fromm

About This Quote

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

Love is an active, responsible commitment that nurtures another's growth, not a passive feeling or mere attraction.

In simple terms: Love requires active care and responsibility.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate love through active support and responsibility.

Themes

love responsibility growth relationships

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • Parenting
  • mentorship
  • romantic partnership
  • friendship
  • team leadership

Key Concepts

Humanistic psychology productive love interdependence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you actively support loved ones' growth?
  • What responsibilities does love entail?
A Different Perspective

Love cannot thrive without effort and mutual responsibility.

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