Change Quote by Huston Smith
““The only power that can effect transformations of the order (of Jesus) is love. It remained for the 20th century to discover that locked within the atom is the energy of the sun itself. For this energy to be released, the atom must be bombarded from without. So too, locked in every human being is a store of love that partakes of the divine- the imago dei, image of god…And it too can be activated only through bombardment, in its case, love’s bombardment. The process begins in infancy, where a mother’s initially unilateral loving smile awakens love in her baby and as coordination develops, elicits its answering smile… A loving human being is not produced by exhortations, rules and threats. Love can only take root in children when it comes to them- initially and most importantly from nurturing parents. Ontogenetically speaking, love is an answering phenomenon. It is literally a response.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: The Power of Love in Human Development, 1995
Love is the transformative force that activates human potential, nurtured early by caring relationships and later by reciprocal affection.
In simple terms: Love activates human potential.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate love and nurturing relationships.
Themes
love
transformation
human nature
Mood
hopeful
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- therapy
- community programs
Key Concepts
psychology
spirituality
developmental theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does love play in personal growth?
- How can societies foster love at scale?
A Different Perspective
Love alone cannot overcome systemic oppression without structural change.
