Love is a virtue; it grows stronger and purer and less selfish by applying it to what it loathes; but theft is a vice involving the slave-idea that one's neighbor is superior to oneself.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Love becomes purer when applied to what you dislike; theft stems from seeing others as superior.
- In plain terms
- Love grows stronger when you love what you hate; stealing shows jealousy.
- What can you take from it?
- Transform negative feelings into love, avoid envy-driven theft.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can you practice love toward an antagonist?
- What fuels the desire to steal?
Another view
Loving what you loathe may be unrealistic for many.
More from Aleister Crowley
Acts which are essentially dishonourable must not be done; they would be justified only by calm contemplation of their correctness in abstract cases.
Permalink to quote #37 Crime, folly, sickness and all phenomena must be contemplated with complete freedom from fear aversion or shame. Otherwise we shall fail to see accurately, and…
Permalink to quote #39 The first task of the Magician in every ceremony is therefore to render his Circle absolutely impregnable.
Permalink to quote #36
Related quotes
I leaned right over to kiss your stoney book A little jealous of the ships with whom you flirt A billion lovers with their cameras Snap to look and in my fanta…
Andy PartridgeAndy Partridge quote #1 When I see a fine sister with a white man, I get pissed. I get mad. I don't get violent, but I get mad. I'm like, 'Damn, baby, what do I got to do : to get wit…
Chris RockChris Rock quote #6 I was angry with you about him, furious that he so much as set eyes on you. I would rather kill you than see you lie in his arms.' 'is that love then? A thing …
Alice BorchardtAlice Borchardt quote #8