Being loved Quote by George MacDonald
“It is by loving, and not by being loved, that one can come nearest the soul of another; yea, that, where two love, it is the loving of each other, that originates and perfects and assures their blessedness. I knew that love gives to him that loveth, power over over any soul be loved, even if that soul know him not, bringing him inwardly close to that spirit; a power that cannot be but for good; for in proportion as selfishness intrudes, the love ceases, and the power which springs therefrom dies. Yet all love will, one day, meet with its return.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Phantastes by George MacDonald, 1858
Love that is given, not received, brings us closest to another’s soul; true love empowers and sanctifies, but selfishness erodes it, and love ultimately returns to its source.
In simple terms: Giving love brings us close to others; selfishness weakens it.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate selfless love.
Themes
love
spirituality
selflessness
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- marriage
- friendship
- mentorship
- community service
Key Concepts
reciprocity
empowerment
transcendence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you love without expecting anything?
- What does it mean for love to return?
A Different Perspective
Selfish motives can corrupt love’s power.
![“The purpose of the whole [the Comedy] and of this portion [the Paradiso] is to remove those who are living in this life from the state of wretchedness, and to lead them to the state of blessedness.” quote by Dante Alighieri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e05/dante-alighieri-590_blessedness_the-purpose-of-the-whole-the-comedy-and_145640.jpg)
![“I wish I had [made that song]. No, I don't That would be to take it from somebody else. But it's mine for all that.' 'What makes it yours?' 'I love it so.' 'Does loving a thing make it yours?' 'I think so, Mother -- at least more than anything else can. . . . Love makes the only myness,' said…” quote by George MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/722/george-macdonald-295_love_i-wish-i-had-made-that-song-no-i-don-t-t_35103.jpg)
