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About this quote

What does it mean?
A woman's love for children not her own reveals a divine quality. This act defines how humans truly live through selfless care.
In plain terms
Selfless love for strangers shows how humans truly live.
What can you take from it?
Living through love for others defines humanity.

Where it applies

  • raising children
  • community service
  • ethical living

Putting it to work

  • caring for others
  • community building
  • empathetic action

Questions to consider

  • How do you define a meaningful life?
  • What acts of love have you witnessed?

Another view

It assumes all meaningful life is rooted in caregiving.

More from Leo Tolstoy

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  3. Then I remembered the first lesson God had set me: 'Learn what dwells in man.' And I understood that in man dwells Love! I was glad that God had already begun …

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