Skip to content

Love Quote by Wendell Berry

“Lovers must not, like usurers, live for themselves alone. They must finally turn from their gaze at one another back toward the community. If they had only themselves to consider, lovers would not need to marry, but they must think of others and of other things. They say their vows to the…” quote by Wendell Berry
Download Open image
““Lovers must not, like usurers, live for themselves alone. They must finally turn from their gaze at one another back toward the community. If they had only themselves to consider, lovers would not need to marry, but they must think of others and of other things. They say their vows to the community as much as to one another, and the community gathers around them to hear and to wish them well, on their behalf and its own. It gathers around them because it understands how necessary, how joyful, and how fearful this joining is. These lovers, pledging themselves to one another "until death," are giving themselves away, and they are joined by this as no law or contract could join them. Lovers, then, "die" into their union with one another as a soul "dies" into its union with God. And so here, at the very heart of community life, we find not something to sell as in the public market but this momentous giving. If the community cannot protect this giving, it can protect nothing...””

Wendell Berry

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Gift of Community” by Wendell Berry, 1976

Lovers should view their bond as a contribution to the wider community, not just a private contract, making love a public, protective act.

In simple terms: Love is a shared, community‑focused commitment.

Key Takeaway

Treat love as a communal responsibility.

Themes

love community commitment interdependence spirituality

Mood

reflective hopeful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational social

When to use this quote

  • marriage ceremonies
  • community gatherings
  • council meetings
  • faith rituals

Key Concepts

social contract self‑sacrifice collective identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does community support strengthen personal relationships?
  • What responsibilities do lovers have to society?
A Different Perspective

If the community fails to protect this giving, love may become isolated and vulnerable.

4.5 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Wendell Berry

Explore all 847 Wendell Berry quotes

More Love quotes

Browse all 233,035 Love quotes