“I receive your love and I give you mine. Not the love of a man for a woman, not the love of a father for a child, not the love of God for his creatures. But a love with no name and no explanation like a river that cannot explain why it follows a particular course, but simply flows onwards. A love that asks for nothing and gives nothing in return; it is simply there. I will never be yours and you will never be mine; nevertheless, I can honestly say: I love you”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis of Quote:
In this quote from Paulo Coelho, the speaker describes a love that transcends traditional roles and expectations. This love is unconditional, without constraints or expectations. It is described as flowing like a river, without needing a reason or explanation. The speaker acknowledges that they may never truly belong to each other in a conventional sense, but they still express love towards the other person. This quote captures the essence of a pure and selfless form of love that exists beyond societal norms and boundaries.
Modern Relevance of Paulo Coelho's Words
In today's fast-paced and often superficial world, Paulo Coelho's words remind us of the beauty of unconditional love. In a society where everything seems transactional and people often expect something in return for their affection, this quote serves as a powerful reminder of the purity and simplicity of love that exists just for the sake of being. It emphasizes the importance of appreciating and nurturing love for its own sake, without any hidden agendas or expectations.
Example of Usage
Here is an example of a heartfelt message inspired by a quote from Paulo Coelho:
“I receive your love and I give you mine. Not the love of a man for a woman, not the love of a father for a child, not the love of God for his creatures. But a love with no name and no explanation like a river that cannot explain why it follows a particular course, but simply flows onwards. A love that asks for nothing and gives nothing in return; it is simply there. I will never be yours and you will never be mine; nevertheless, I can honestly say: I love you” - Paulo Coelho.
Reflection Questions:
This quote by Paulo Coelho beautifully captures the essence of unconditional love that transcends boundaries and expectations. Reflecting on this quote can prompt us to think deeply about the nature of love and relationships. Here are some questions to ponder:
- What does it mean to love someone without any expectations or demands in return?
- How does the concept of love described in the quote differ from conventional ideas of romantic or familial love?
- Have you ever experienced or witnessed a love that is selfless and unconditional, like the one described in the quote?
- How do you think society's expectations and norms influence our understanding and expression of love?
- In what ways can we cultivate a love that is free from possessiveness and attachment, like the love mentioned in the quote?
Similar quotes
“A love that asks for nothing and gives nothing in return; it is simply there. I will never be yours and you will never be mine; nevertheless, I can honestly say: I love you.”
“People give flowers as present because flowers contain true meaning of love. Anyone who tries to posses a flower will have to watch its beauty fading. But if you simply look at a flower in the field, you'll keep it forever. That is what the forest taught me. That you will never be mine, and that is why i will never lose you.”
“Simply having the courage to say senseless things made me euphoric. I was free, with no need to seek or to give explanations for what I was doing. This freedom lifted me to the heavens - where greater love, one that forgives everything and never allows you to feel abandoned, once again enveloped me.”
“But when I met you, I saw your light and I loved you at once. And I thought that at this stage in my life, I had nothing to lose by being honest with the woman I wanted to have by my side.”
“I love you because all the loves in the world are like different rivers flowing into the same lake where they meet and are transformed into a single love that becomes rain and blesses the earth.”
“I gaze lovingly at "Hilal" a love that is reflected through time or what we imagine to be time, as in a mirror. She was never mine and never will be; that is how it is. We are both creators and creatures, but we are also puppets in God's hands, and there is a line we cannot cross, a line that was drawn for reasons we cannot know. We can approach and even dabble our toes in the river but we are forbidden to plunge in and let ourselves be carried along by the current.”