Age Quote by John Fowles
“The noblest relationship is marriage, that is, love. Its nobility resides in its altruism, the desire to serve another beyond all the pleasures of the relationship; and in its refusal ever to regard the other as a thing, an object, a utilizability. Sex is an exchange of pleasures, of needs; love is a giving without return. It is this giving without return, this helping without reward, this surplus of pure good, that identifies the uniqueness of man as well as the true nature of the true marriage. This is the quintessence the great alchemy of sex is for.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The French Lieutenant's Woman, John Fowles, 1969
Marriage is portrayed as a selfless partnership where love transcends personal pleasure, emphasizing service and seeing the partner as a person, not an object.
In simple terms: Marriage is selfless love and service.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate selfless love in relationships.
Themes
love
marriage
altruism
service
humanity
Mood
reflective
hopeful
serene
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- relationship building
- personal growth
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
selflessness
ethical partnership
philosophical view
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice selfless love without losing self?
- What boundaries protect healthy altruism?
A Different Perspective
Love without expectation can be challenging when personal needs conflict.
