Hannah More: 'Love never reasons, but profusely gives; it gives like a thoughtless prodigal its all, and then trembles least it has done to little.'

Love never reasons, but profusely gives; it gives like a thoughtless prodigal its all, and then trembles least it has done to little.

In the quote by Hannah More, "Love never reasons, but profusely gives; it gives like a thoughtless prodigal its all, and then trembles least it has done too little," the essence of love is beautifully captured. At a glance, the quote highlights the selflessness and boundless nature of love. Love, according to More, is not a logical process but rather an instinctive outpouring of generosity and affection. It gives without calculation or expectation, resembling a prodigal spender who generously gives away all they have. However, there is a paradoxical element to love that is often overlooked: despite giving so much, there is always an underlying fear of not having given enough.While this quote might seem straightforward, it also connects with an intriguing philosophical concept: the dichotomy of abundance and scarcity. Love, in its purest form, flows abundantly and endlessly. It is an immeasurable resource that never restricts itself. This concept stands in stark contrast to the scarcity mindset that dominates many other aspects of our lives. We constantly worry about not having enough time, money, or opportunities. However, in the realm of love, these concerns fade away. Love's extravagant nature challenges our societal conditioning and opens up a world of endless possibilities.Consider the prodigal spender described in More's quote. This extravagant individual possesses an innate desire to share their wealth with others, carelessly giving away their resources. Love operates in a similar way, bestowing affection, support, and kindness upon others without hesitation. It doesn't reason or weigh the cost because its focus is solely on giving and enriching the lives of those it encounters.Yet, amidst the profuse giving of love, there is a peculiar tremor—fear that it may have fallen short, failed to fully express its depth and breadth. This trembling is born out of the inherent vulnerability that accompanies love. While love pours itself out generously, it can never be entirely certain of the reciprocation or reception it will receive. The fear of having done too little underscores the genuine concern within the heart of a true lover. It is this trembling that reflects love's delicate balance between selflessness and the human desire for reciprocation.We can draw a parallel between More's quote and the concept of emotional investments. When we invest emotionally in something or someone, we give our all without guarantee or expectation of returns. We commit ourselves wholeheartedly, hoping that our investment will be reciprocated. Similarly, when we love, we invest emotionally in others, often without the certainty of receiving an equal or greater return on our emotional investment. Love, like any investment, carries the risk of disappointment, yet we still willingly embrace it.In a world where transactions and calculated risks dominate many aspects of human interaction, love stands as a stark departure from the norm. It defies reason and logic, making it simultaneously the most vulnerable and powerful force our hearts can experience. It challenges us to embrace abundance and relinquish the scarcity mindset that so often leaves us withholding our affections. Moreover, the paradoxical trembling of love strives to ensure that we have given our utmost, affirming the relentless and unwavering commitment of a true lover.Hannah More's quote encapsulates the essence of love, reminding us of its pure and selfless nature. It inspires us to reflect upon the invaluable role love plays in our lives and encourages us to reevaluate our preconceived notions regarding abundance and scarcity. Let us free ourselves from the shackles of fear and allow love to flow abundantly, never reasoning but devotedly giving, always trembling, lest we believe we have done too little.