Love seeketh not Itself to please Nor for itself hath any…
““Love seeketh not Itself to please Nor for itself hath any care, But for another gives its ease And builds a Heaven in Hell's despair.' So sung a little Clod of Clay Trodden with the cattle's feet, But a Pebble of the brook Warbled out these metres meet: 'Love seeketh only Self to please, To bind another to Its delight, Joys in another's loss of ease, And builds a Hell in Heaven's despite.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Love that seeks self‑gratification harms others, while self‑less love creates harmony.
In simple terms: Selfish love harms; selfless love heals.
Key Takeaway
Practice selfless love.
Themes
love
selfishness
altruism
contradiction
Mood
thoughtful
poetic
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- relationships
- community building
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
ethics
philosophy
poetry
Questions to Reflect On
- What does love mean to you?
- Can love be both selfish and selfless?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can dominate despite noble ideals.