'When one begins to work in order to bestow, and this goes against ones nature, this is called 'toil,' since the body (refers to ones wills and desires) opposes it, being that any movement which the body does not see that it will be use for itself, it opposes with all of its strength, and tremendous powers are needed to overcome it.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Working to give against one's nature is called toil; the body resists actions that do not serve its own desires, requiring great effort to overcome.
- In plain terms
- Doing selfless work feels like toil because the body resists it.
- What can you take from it?
- Overcoming internal resistance is required for selfless effort.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does selfless work feel effortless?
- How can we reduce the feeling of toil?
Another view
Not all self‑less actions are resisted; some feel natural.
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