And love Quote by Alexander Lowen
“The primary nature of every human being is to be open to life and love. Being guarded, armoured, distrustful and enclosed is second nature in our culture. It is the means we adopt to protect ourselves against being hurt, but when such attitudes become characterological or structured in the personality, they constitute a more severe hurt and create a greater crippling than the one originally suffered.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Language of the Body", 1975
Human nature seeks openness to love; defensive habits protect but can become harmful if entrenched.
In simple terms: Openness vs. guardedness.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate vulnerability.
Themes
love
openness
defense
Mood
introspective
empathetic
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- relationship building
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
psychology
attachment
personal development
Questions to Reflect On
- What defenses hold you back?
- How can you safely open up?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep habits is difficult.
![“Happiness is the consciousness of growth. [...] If my definition has validity, it suggests that most people come to therapy because they sense their growth has been arrested. Certainly many patients look to therapy to reinstitute the growth process. (33)” quote by Alexander Lowen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8db/alexander-lowen-11650_happiness_happiness-is-the-consciousness-of-growth_454752.jpg)
