When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
Perfect 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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True love is free from fear and dependency, fostering happiness without demands.
This quote emphasizes that genuine love should be unconditional and liberating, devoid of fear and expectations. It highlights the importance of self-sufficiency in happiness, suggesting that one's well-being should not rely on another person, but rather on personal fulfillment and joy in the relationship without clinging or possession.
Themes
LoveFearHappinessDependencyRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared at a wedding to emphasize the importance of unconditional love.
More from Anthony De Mello
All quotes →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.
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Problems only exist in the human mind.
Anthony De MelloRead
Those who make no mistakes are making the biggest mistakes of all - they are attempting nothing new.
Anthony De MelloRead
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