Love consists in giving without getting in return in giving what is not owed, what is not due the other. That’s why true love is never based, as associations for utility or pleasure are, on a fair exchange.

Meaning

With this quote, the focus is on love, emphasizing that real love requires care and patience while underlining that love grows when shared.

Theme

Across cultures, love remains a recurring subject. Many reflect on it since love influences nearly every part of life. This quote fits that tradition, highlighting that small acts of kindness build trust.

About the Author

Many popular reflections are credited to Mortimer Adler, including this one. Their words often comment on themes like love.

Style and Structure

The phrasing is minimalistic, using contrast to focus attention on the core idea.

FAQ

What does this quote mean?
real love requires care and patience.

Why is it popular?
It speaks clearly about love, making it widely relatable.

How can it be applied?
It encourages us to we communicate more openly.