Bribe Quote by Anonymous
“We are afraid that Heaven is a bribe, and that if we make it our goal we shall no longer be disinterested. It is not so. Heaven offers nothing that the mercenary soul can desire. It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to. There are rewards that do not sully motives. A man's love for a woman is not mercenary because he wants to marry her, nor his love for poetry mercenary because he wants to read it, nor his love of exercise less disinterested because he wants to run and leap and walk. Love, by definition, seeks to enjoy its object.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Philosophical reflections, 19th century
Pure love and spiritual pursuit are not motivated by material gain; true desire for the divine is disinterested and sincere.
In simple terms: True love seeks joy, not reward.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate selfless love and pure intentions.
Themes
spirituality
love
motivation
ethics
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
philosophical
Type
ethical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- creative writing
- personal meditation
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
disinterested love
pure intention
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does disinterested love mean to you?
- How can you practice selfless love?
A Different Perspective
Pure love may be idealized and hard to practice.
