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The lover must often say, "I love because I must, because I will it. I love for myself, not for others. I love for the joy it gives me - and incedentally, only - for that joy it gives to others. If they reinforce me it will be good. If they do not, it also will be good, for I will to love."
Leo Buscaglia
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the intrinsic nature of love as a self-driven emotion rather than something dependent on external validation.

Leo Buscaglia's quote emphasizes the idea that true love is motivated by one's own will and joy, rather than for the sake of others' approval or happiness. It suggests that loving is a personal choice that should ultimately bring fulfillment to oneself, and that the love one gives is valuable both for its own sake and for the happiness it may bring to others, regardless of their response.

Themes

LoveSelfloveJoyHappinessFulfillment

In practice

Example use cases

During a wedding speech to emphasize the importance of selfless love.

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