Love Quote by Milan Kundera
““It is completely selfless love: Tereza did not want anything of Karenin; She did not ever ask him to love her back. Nor has she ever asked herself the questions that plague human couples: Does he love me? Does he love anybody more than me? Does he love me more than I love him? Perhaps all the questions we ask of love, to measure, test, probe, and save it, have the additional effect of cutting it short. Perhaps the reason we are unable to love is that we yearn to be loved, that is, we demand something (love) from our partner instead of delivering ourselves to him demand-free and asking for nothing but his company.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, 1984
The passage argues that true love is selfless, free of expectations and demands, and that constantly questioning love can undermine it.
In simple terms: Selfless love is giving without expecting anything in return.
Key Takeaway
Practice love without demanding.
Themes
love
selflessness
relationships
expectations
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- marriage
- friendship
- parent‑child bonds
- intimate partnerships
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you love for yourself or for validation?
- How can you let go of expectations?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest often clouds genuine affection.
