D. H. Lawrence: 'The one woman who never gives herself is your free woman, who is always giving herself.'

The one woman who never gives herself is your free woman, who is always giving herself.

The quote by D. H. Lawrence, "The one woman who never gives herself is your free woman, who is always giving herself," is both captivating and thought-provoking. At first glance, it may appear contradictory, but upon closer analysis, it reveals a deep and profound truth about freedom and selflessness.In its most straightforward interpretation, this quote suggests that a truly free woman is one who continuously gives of herself. It implies that freedom is not solely about personal autonomy, but about the ability to give oneself wholly and unreservedly. In other words, the essence of freedom lies in selflessness, in the act of constantly reaching out and giving to others without constraint.This idea challenges the conventional notion of freedom, which often focuses on individual rights and independence. Lawrence's perspective, however, reminds us that true freedom is not isolated but interconnected with the concept of selflessness. It suggests that in giving of oneself, a woman (or anyone) experiences a unique kind of freedom that transcends personal boundaries and limitations.To further explore this concept, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept – Taoism. In Taoism, the principle of Wu Wei teaches us to flow with the natural rhythm of life, rather than constantly striving and exerting force. Interestingly, there is a parallel between Lawrence's idea of a free woman and the Taoist concept of effortless action. Both advocate for the idea that true freedom is found in surrendering oneself and aligning with a greater flow.On the surface, these concepts may seem contradictory – how can surrender and selflessness lead to greater freedom? However, upon deeper contemplation, we come to realize that by releasing our attachment to personal desires and ego-driven pursuits, we open ourselves to the vast possibilities of the universe. In selflessly giving oneself, we tap into a wellspring of energy and creativity that otherwise remains untapped.Contrasting this idea with conventional notions of freedom, we often perceive freedom as a state of individualism and self-centeredness. We associate it with the ability to pursue our desires and make choices without constraint. While this perspective holds some validity, it neglects the interconnected nature of our existence. True freedom encompasses not only personal autonomy but also the ability to contribute and enrich the lives of others.In the context of the quote, a woman who never gives of herself may indeed possess personal autonomy and independence, but she may lack the true freedom that stems from selflessness. On the other hand, a woman who constantly gives of herself, despite sacrificing her personal desires at times, experiences a more profound sense of freedom because she aligns herself with the interconnected fabric of existence.In conclusion, D. H. Lawrence's quote challenges our conventional notions of freedom by suggesting that selflessness is an integral aspect of true freedom. It encourages us to consider the idea that by giving of ourselves, by surrendering to the flow of life, we tap into a wellspring of freedom that transcends personal autonomy. To further explore this concept, we introduced the philosophical concept of Taoism, which similarly advocates for the idea that surrendering to the natural rhythm of existence leads to true freedom. Ultimately, this quote encourages us to embrace selflessness as a pathway to unlocking profound and meaningful freedom in our lives.