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But many people want to look upon God with the eyes with…

“But many people want to look upon God with the eyes with which they look upon a cow; they want to love God the way they love a cow that you love because it gives you milk and cheese. This is how people behave who want to love God because of external wealth or inner comfort; but they do not love…” quote by Meister Eckhart
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““But many people want to look upon God with the eyes with which they look upon a cow; they want to love God the way they love a cow that you love because it gives you milk and cheese. This is how people behave who want to love God because of external wealth or inner comfort; but they do not love God properly: rather, they love their self interest.””

Meister Eckhart

About This Quote

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

Loving God for personal gain reduces divine love to a transactional relationship, missing its deeper, selfless nature.

In simple terms: Loving God for selfish reasons limits true spiritual connection.

Key Takeaway

Seek love beyond personal benefit.

Themes

spirituality selflessness faith materialism

Mood

contemplative serious inspirational

Type

philosophical religious ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal prayer
  • ethical decision‑making
  • community service
  • charitable giving

Key Concepts

mysticism theology self‑interest

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you love without expecting reward?
  • What does selfless devotion look like in daily life?
A Different Perspective

True love of God may conflict with self‑interest, creating inner tension.

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