“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
- 571 BC? – 470 BC?
- Born in China
- Philosopher
- Founder of Taoism, author of the Tao Te Ching and systematized Taoist thought
Quote
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
Explanation
This quote speaks to the mutual power of love in both receiving and giving. The first part suggests that when we are deeply loved, we gain a sense of strength—the support and affection of others can provide a foundation of security, comfort, and confidence. When we feel truly loved, we know we are not alone, and this love gives us the emotional resources to face challenges and rise above difficulties. On the other hand, the second part of the quote shows that when we love deeply, we gain courage. Loving others often requires stepping outside our own comfort zone, taking risks, and confronting vulnerabilities. The act of loving someone with all our heart can give us the bravery to act boldly, speak the truth, and support those we care about, even in difficult circumstances.
In modern life, this idea resonates with the power of relationships—whether in romantic love, friendship, or family bonds. Being surrounded by deep love offers emotional resilience, helping us navigate the ups and downs of life with a sense of confidence and support. At the same time, the courage to care for others deeply allows us to take risks and face challenges that we might otherwise avoid, knowing that love provides a reason to be strong for others.
This principle can also be seen in leadership and community. Leaders who are deeply connected to those they serve often find strength in the loyalty and trust of their communities, while the act of caring for others can inspire them to be courageous in decision-making and action. Similarly, in personal development, loving others deeply encourages us to take courageous steps toward growth and to act with integrity and compassion, knowing that love often empowers us to become better versions of ourselves. Laozi’s wisdom suggests that both receiving love and giving love are powerful sources of strength and courage that guide us through life.
