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Advantage Quote by Thomas Merton

“To love blindly is to love selfishly, because the goal of such love is not the real advantage of the beloved but only the exercise of love in our own souls.” quote by Thomas Merton
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“To love blindly is to love selfishly, because the goal of such love is not the real advantage of the beloved but only the exercise of love in our own souls.”

Thomas Merton

About This Quote

Source Essay: No Man Is an Island, 1955

Blind love serves ego, not the beloved’s true good.

In simple terms: Selfish love seeks personal gain.

Key Takeaway

Love for others’ benefit, not self.

Themes

love ego selflessness

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • marriage
  • friendship
  • volunteering
  • leadership

Key Concepts

ethics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does loving without expectation feel like?
  • How to recognize self‑serving love?
A Different Perspective

Blind love can sometimes protect from hurt.

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