Desire Quote by Timothy Keller
““When you feel great delight in someone, meeting their needs and getting their gratitude and affection in return is extremely rewarding to your ego. At those times you may be acting more out of the desire to get that love and satisfaction yourself, rather than out of a desire to seek the good of the other person. Kierkegaard observed, you may not be loving that person so much as loving yourself. ””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Reason for God by Timothy Keller, 2008
When delight in helping others is tied to personal ego, love may become self‑serving rather than altruistic.
In simple terms: Love can become self‑focused.
Key Takeaway
Check motives behind caring actions.
Themes
love
ego
motivation
self‑awareness
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- relationships
- leadership
- counseling
Key Concepts
Kierkegaard
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Are you helping for gratitude or genuine care?
- How can you shift focus outward?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can undermine genuine compassion.
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