Compassion Quote by William Blake
““Love seeketh not Itself to please Nor for itself hath any care, But for another gives its ease And builds a Heaven in Hell's despair.' So sung a little Clod of Clay Trodden with the cattle's feet, But a Pebble of the brook Warbled out these metres meet: 'Love seeketh only Self to please, To bind another to Its delight, Joys in another's loss of ease, And builds a Hell in Heaven's despite.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, 1790
Love that seeks self‑gratification harms others, while self‑less love creates harmony.
In simple terms: Selfish love harms; selfless love heals.
Key Takeaway
Practice selfless love.
Themes
love
selfishness
altruism
contradiction
Mood
thoughtful
poetic
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- relationships
- community building
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
ethics
philosophy
poetry
Questions to Reflect On
- What does love mean to you?
- Can love be both selfish and selfless?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can dominate despite noble ideals.
