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Does a soldier go to war in order to kill the enemy? no…

“Does a soldier go to war in order to kill the enemy? no, he goes in order to die for his country. Does a wife want to show her husband how happy she is? no, she wants him to see how she suffers in order to make him happy Does the husband go to work thinking he will find personal fulfillment there?…” quote by Paulo Coelho
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“Does a soldier go to war in order to kill the enemy? no, he goes in order to die for his country. Does a wife want to show her husband how happy she is? no, she wants him to see how she suffers in order to make him happy Does the husband go to work thinking he will find personal fulfillment there? no, he is giving his sweat and tears for the good of the family And so it goes on: sons give up their dreams to please their parents, parents give up their lives in order to please their children; pain and suffering are used to justify the one thing that should bring only LOVE..”

Paulo Coelho

About This Quote

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

The passage reflects on self‑sacrifice across roles—soldier, spouse, parent—highlighting how love is often expressed through suffering and duty rather than joy.

In simple terms: Love is shown through sacrifice and duty.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and balance self‑care with caring for others.

Themes

love sacrifice duty family dynamics

Mood

melancholic thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • marriage
  • parenting
  • military service
  • career choices
  • cultural traditions

Key Concepts

altruism existential purpose role expectations

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you honor love without losing yourself?
  • What boundaries protect your well‑being?
A Different Perspective

Idealizing sacrifice can overlook personal fulfillment.

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