Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote “Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself” suggests that the essence of love is inherently self-fulfilling and self-sustaining. To understand this, it's helpful to consider what we mean by love and fulfillment.
At its core, love is often described as a profound and deep emotional connection with someone or something. It’s a state of being that transcends mere attraction or affection; it’s about a deep and enduring bond. When the quote refers to love fulfilling itself, it implies that the true nature of love is not driven by external goals or outcomes but by its own inherent qualities and aspirations.
In practical terms, this means that love does not seek validation from outside sources or look for specific achievements to justify its existence. Instead, love finds its purpose and satisfaction within the act of loving itself. When you love someone genuinely, the act of loving—caring, nurturing, understanding—provides its own sense of completeness. This internal fulfillment is what defines and sustains love, rather than any particular result or recognition.
Consider the example of parental love. Parents often go to great lengths for their children, sacrificing time, energy, and resources. This love is not motivated by a desire for external reward or acknowledgment. Rather, the act of caring for and nurturing their child is fulfilling in itself. The joy and satisfaction come from the loving relationship and the act of giving, not from any external validation.
Similarly, in friendships, the value of the relationship is found in the connection itself. Friends share experiences, support each other, and enjoy each other’s company without necessarily expecting something in return. The pleasure and fulfillment derived from the friendship come from the bond they share, not from specific outcomes or benefits.
Thus, the quote underscores that love, in its truest form, is self-sufficient. It thrives on the intrinsic value of the connection and the act of loving itself. This perspective encourages us to appreciate love for what it is, rather than what it might achieve or how it might be validated. It reminds us that the essence of love is found in the genuine and unselfish act of loving, which, in turn, brings its own sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself." is often attributed to Khalil Gibran (Quotes). Khalil Gibran was a Lebanese-American poet and philosopher, celebrated for his profound writings on love, life, and spirituality.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.