Desire Quote by Mortimer Adler
“If one wants another only for some self-satisfaction, usually in the form of sensual pleasure, that wrong desire takes the form of lust rather than love.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Philosophy of Freedom, Mortimer Adler, 1959
Desiring others solely for personal pleasure is lust, not love, because it seeks self-gratification rather than genuine connection.
In simple terms: Lust is selfish desire; love is selfless.
Key Takeaway
Seek selfless connection, not selfish gratification.
Themes
love
desire
ethics
relationships
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- dating
- friendships
- marriage
- personal growth
Key Concepts
selfishness
authenticity
emotional health
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you differentiate between love and lust?
- How does self-interest affect your relationships?
A Different Perspective
Lust can be confused with love, leading to hurt.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
