When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
Obedience keeps the rules. Love knows when to break them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that while obedience is about adhering to rules, love sometimes requires breaking those rules for a deeper connection.
Anthony De Mello's quote highlights the tension between societal norms and the nuances of genuine relationships. Obedience represents compliance and adherence to established rules or conventions, while love embodies a profound understanding and sometimes necessitates bending or breaking those very rules to foster a more authentic and compassionate connection between individuals. It emphasizes that true love can challenge rigid structures to prioritize emotional and relational truths.
Themes
ObedienceLoveRulesRelationshipsConnection
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the balance between rules and personal freedom in relationships.
More from Anthony De Mello
All quotes βPerfect love casts out fear. Where there is love there are no demands, no expectations, no dependency. I do not demand that you make me happy; my happiness does not lie in you. If you were to leave me, I will not feel sorry for myself; I enjoy your company immensely, but I do not cling.
Anthony De MelloRead
The master never seemed to have his fill of gazing at his firstborn child. "What do you want him to be when he grows up?" someone asked. "Outrageously happy," said the master.
Anthony De MelloRead
The genius of a composer is found in the notes of his music; but analyzing the notes will not reveal his genius. The poet's greatness is contained in his words; yet the study of his words will not disclose his inspiration. God reveals himself in creation; but scrutinize creation as minutely as you wish, you will not find God, any more than you will find the soul through careful examination of your body.
Anthony De MelloRead
What is a loving heart? A loving heart is sensitive to the whole of life, to all persons; a loving heart doesn't harden itself to any persons or things.
Anthony De MelloRead
Problems only exist in the human mind.
Anthony De MelloRead
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Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it 'white'.
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