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Obedience keeps the rules. Love knows when to break them.
Anthony De Mello
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that while obedience is about adhering to rules, love sometimes requires breaking those rules for a deeper connection.

Anthony De Mello's quote highlights the tension between societal norms and the nuances of genuine relationships. Obedience represents compliance and adherence to established rules or conventions, while love embodies a profound understanding and sometimes necessitates bending or breaking those very rules to foster a more authentic and compassionate connection between individuals. It emphasizes that true love can challenge rigid structures to prioritize emotional and relational truths.

Themes

ObedienceLoveRulesRelationshipsConnection

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the balance between rules and personal freedom in relationships.

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When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
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The master never seemed to have his fill of gazing at his firstborn child. "What do you want him to be when he grows up?" someone asked. "Outrageously happy," said the master.
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The genius of a composer is found in the notes of his music; but analyzing the notes will not reveal his genius. The poet's greatness is contained in his words; yet the study of his words will not disclose his inspiration. God reveals himself in creation; but scrutinize creation as minutely as you wish, you will not find God, any more than you will find the soul through careful examination of your body.
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What is a loving heart? A loving heart is sensitive to the whole of life, to all persons; a loving heart doesn't harden itself to any persons or things.
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Problems only exist in the human mind.
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