To love is to will the good of the other.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote "To love is to will the good of the other" encapsulates a profound understanding of what love truly entails. At its core, it suggests that genuine love is not merely an emotion or a fleeting feeling, but a deliberate and intentional commitment to the well-being and flourishing of another person.
Central to this idea is the concept of willing—the act of making a conscious choice or decision. Love, in this context, is portrayed as an active verb rather than a passive state. It requires a deliberate intention and effort directed towards the other person's welfare, happiness, and growth. This perspective challenges the notion that love is solely about receiving gratification or fulfilling personal desires; instead, it emphasizes selflessness and a genuine concern for the other's needs and development.
Furthermore, the quote implies a sense of moral responsibility inherent in love. It suggests that loving someone involves not only caring for their immediate happiness but also acting in ways that contribute positively to their long-term well-being and fulfillment. This can include supporting their aspirations, helping them overcome challenges, and encouraging their personal and spiritual growth.
Moreover, the quote suggests a connection between love and goodness. By willing the good of another person, one seeks what is genuinely beneficial and virtuous for them. This aligns with the idea that love should promote positive outcomes and contribute positively to the other person's life journey.
Additionally, the quote underscores the importance of intentionality in relationships. It encourages individuals to be mindful of their motives and actions towards others, ensuring that their expressions of affection and care are genuine and aligned with the other person's best interests.
In essence, "To love is to will the good of the other" offers a profound philosophical perspective on love, highlighting its active and intentional nature, its moral dimensions, and its inherent connection to the pursuit of goodness and well-being in relationships. It invites us to reflect on the depth of our affection for others and encourages us to cultivate a love that is selfless, supportive, and genuinely concerned with the flourishing of those we care about.
Who said the quote?
The quote "To love is to will the good of the other." is often attributed to Thomas Aquinas (Bio / Quotes). Thomas Aquinas was a medieval Italian philosopher and theologian who is best known for his work "Summa Theologica.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One profound historical example of the quote "To love is to will the good of the other" can be found in the life of Nelson Mandela, particularly in his actions and decisions during his presidency in South Africa.
Mandela, after spending 27 years in prison under apartheid, emerged not with a spirit of vengeance but with a desire for national reconciliation and the common good. His leadership was not just about ending racial segregation but about fostering unity and healing among a deeply divided population. Mandela's approach was rooted in his deep commitment to the well-being of all South Africans, regardless of their racial background.
A specific instance that illustrates this quote occurred in 1995 when Mandela supported the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Rather than pursuing retribution against those who had committed human rights abuses during the apartheid era, Mandela and his government sought to create a platform for victims and perpetrators to come together and address the injustices of the past. The goal was to foster understanding and forgiveness, which Mandela believed were essential for the nation’s progress.
Mandela’s willingness to forgive those who had wronged him and his people was a testament to his belief in the greater good. By prioritizing the healing of the nation over personal or partisan gain, Mandela embodied the essence of the quote—demonstrating that true love involves a selfless commitment to the welfare of others.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Applying the quote "To love is to will the good of the other" in real life can be understood through the dynamics of personal relationships and professional settings. Consider the scenario of a manager in a workplace who has to address underperformance among team members.
If a manager genuinely embraces the principle of "to will the good of the other," their approach to handling performance issues will be markedly different from a more superficial or punitive approach. Instead of focusing solely on the shortcomings or assigning blame, the manager would engage in supportive and constructive conversations with the employees. The aim would be to understand the root causes of their performance issues and to offer guidance and resources to help them improve.
For instance, if an employee is struggling due to a lack of skills or external personal challenges, a manager who truly wants the good of the employee would provide additional training, mentorship, or flexible work arrangements. This approach not only addresses the immediate performance problem but also invests in the employee’s long-term growth and well-being.
In this way, the quote can be applied by recognizing that love in action involves making decisions that benefit others and support their development. Whether in personal relationships, where it might mean making sacrifices for loved ones, or in professional settings, where it might involve investing in the success of colleagues, the essence of the quote lies in selflessly working toward the betterment of others.
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.
