It is love rather than sexual lust or unbridled sexuality…
“It is love rather than sexual lust or unbridled sexuality if, in addition to the need or want involved, there is also some impulse to give pleasure to the persons thus loved and not merely to use them for our own selfish pleasure.”
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 distinguished from lust by a selfless desire to give pleasure to the beloved, not just to satisfy personal cravings.
In simple terms: Love is selfless giving, not selfish desire.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate empathy and generosity in relationships.
Themes
love
selflessness
relationships
ethics
Mood
reflective
compassionate
Type
philosophical
ethical
relationship
When to use this quote
- romantic partnership
- friendship
- counseling
- volunteering
- parenting
Key Concepts
Altruism
empathy
human flourishing
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize the other's joy over your own?
- How can you tell if your affection is self‑serving?
A Different Perspective
Selfish motives can masquerade as love, making true selflessness hard to verify.