Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Philosophy Club

[Jaidyn Taylor]

Couldn’t you be happy to sacrifice your happiness for someone else? I give up my time every day to my kids, and ultimately my time makes me happy, doing things I want to do. I can’t do those things anymore because of my children, but I never hesitate to do those things because sacrificing for my children makes me happy. So I guess I’m not sacrificing my happiness then? This is definitely a loaded question

[Catalina Isabel]

Couldn’t you be happy to sacrifice your happiness for someone else? I give up my time every day to my kids, and ultimately my time makes me happy, doing things I want to do. I can’t do those things anymore because of my children, but I never hesitate to do those things because sacrificing for my children makes me happy. So I guess I’m not sacrificing my happiness then? This is definitely a loaded question

I can definitely relate to this with my two kids. I also wonder if it's really a "sacrifice" if we are happy to do it? Or.does the lack of time make it feel like a sacrifice sometimes? E.g.: sometimes I need to fill my cup first in order for it not to feel like a sacrifice when I give to others (even if I love them very much).

[Osakwe Favour]

I love everything about this quote! It shows that genuine love is not about sacrificing one's happiness begrudgingly for the sake of another person, but rather finding happiness in the act of sacrifice itself. It shows that true love involves a willingness to make sacrifices for the well-being and happiness of a loved one, and that this act of giving brings joy and fulfillment to the person expressing love.

[Mara Valentina]

This quote challenges the traditional notion of selflessness and unconditional love. It suggests that true love is not about giving up your own happiness for the sake of another person, but rather about finding joy in making sacrifices for those you love.

[Okoth Omondi]

This is a discussion forum topic for the November 2022 Philosophy Book of the Month, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All


Here is a quote from the book which appears on page 174 (of the hardcover):

True love is not sacrificing your happiness for another; true love is being happy to sacrifice."

What do you you think?

Does the above sentence retain its meaning well even when quoted out of context as above? Or does one really need to read the book and especially the chapter containing that quote to fully capture its meaning?



true-love.jpg

In as much as the statement is almost direct, one must attempt to read the chapter to know more. While it may seem counterintuitive, true love isn't merely about surrendering one's happiness for the sake of another; instead, it's a harmonious blend of selflessness and shared joy. In a profound connection, partners discover fulfillment in contributing to each other's well-being. Rather than viewing sacrifices as burdensome obligations, true love transforms them into opportunities for mutual growth. It's a dynamic interplay where both individuals willingly invest time, effort, and sometimes personal desires to nurture the relationship. Sacrifice in love should not be a one-sided ledger, but a mutual exchange where the happiness derived from making your partner's life better becomes its own reward. It's about finding delight in the act of giving, creating a reciprocity that strengthens the bond between two people. In this dance of mutual sacrifice, the partners become co-authors of a unique narrative, blending their individual melodies into a harmonious and resonant symphony. Ultimately, true love transcends the conventional notion of sacrifice as a burdensome duty. Instead, it becomes a celebration of shared experiences, a collaboration where both partners willingly contribute to each other's happiness. In this way, the beauty of true love lies not in self-denial but in the genuine joy that arises from being happy to sacrifice for the one you love.

[Josephine Adhiambo]

It emphasizes a selfless and willingly giving aspect of love, where the happiness comes from the act of making sacrifices for the person you love, rather than feeling burdened by those sacrifices. It reflects a mutual and fulfilling connection between individuals.

[Naushin Moledina]

This is a discussion forum topic for the November 2022 Philosophy Book of the Month, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All


Here is a quote from the book which appears on page 174 (of the hardcover):

True love is not sacrificing your happiness for another; true love is being happy to sacrifice."

What do you you think?

Does the above sentence retain its meaning well even when quoted out of context as above? Or does one really need to read the book and especially the chapter containing that quote to fully capture its meaning?



true-love.jpg

Yeah, it absolutely retains its meaning even if it is quoted out of context. Reading the book will surely give the reader a different perspective. It is so true that true love is not sacrificing your happiness for another, true love is being happy to sacrifice.

[Josphat Gisiora]

To truly embrace inner peace, individuals must grapple with the profound intricacies of existence, acknowledging that the path to tranquility is fraught with ambiguity. It is within this nuanced understanding of life's twists and turns that one may find solace, recognizing that the pursuit of inner peace is an ongoing journey, shaped by both the sacrifices made and the unpredictable nature of the human experience.

[Ronald Aminga]

This perspective implies a deeper connection where selflessness becomes a source of fulfillment rather than a self-imposed obligation. It underscores the idea that true love is rooted in mutual joy and shared happiness, making sacrifices a meaningful and positive aspect of the relationship.

[Christopher Bundi]

It encompasses a profound understanding that sacrificing for a loved one is not a burden, but rather a source of fulfillment and enrichment. This sacrificial happiness becomes a transformative force, strengthening the bond and creating a tapestry of shared moments that define the depth and authenticity of the connection.

[Azuka Christian]

I have pondered on this quote for quite a while now and I can see the facts in it. Indeed, the love comes when you have no mixed feelings about sacrificing for others.

[Elijah Reuben]

Honestly, I can't sacrifice my happiness for love. Rather, I should be happy making the sacrifice. I've been on the seat of making this tough choice several times. How sad.

[Jerry Williams 3]

The quote suggests that true love involves selfless sacrifice without expecting anything in return. The speaker emphasizes their readiness to risk their life to protect their loved one, regardless of reciprocity, valuing their partner's love above all else.

[Jerry Williams 3]

This statement holds significant power. When you love someone deeply, you're willing to make sacrifices for them. For instance, parents often make considerable sacrifices for their children, driven by their profound love, which transforms these sacrifices into acts of love rather than burdens.

[Christian Kay]

What a beautiful and insightful distinction! This quote highlights the difference between sacrifice motivated by obligation or duty, versus sacrifice motivated by joy and willingness.

True love is not about giving up your own happiness as a sacrifice, but rather about finding joy and fulfillment in prioritizing the well-being of another. It's not a sense of duty or obligation, but a willingness to put someone else's needs before your own because it brings you happiness to do so.

This perspective on true love emphasizes the importance of mutual support, care, and joy in relationships. When both partners find happiness in sacrificing for each other, it creates a beautiful cycle of love and support that strengthens the bond between them.

In essence, true love is not a sacrifice that drains your happiness, but a choice that fills your heart with joy and fulfillment.