"Does a soldier go to war in order to kill the enemy? no, he goes in order to die for his country. Does a wife want to show her husband how happy she is? no, she wants him to see how she suffers in order to make him happy Does the husband go to work thinking he will find personal fulfillment there? no, he is giving his sweat and tears for the good of the family And so it goes on: sons give up their dreams to please their parents, parents give up their lives in order to please their children; pain and suffering are used to justify the one thing that should bring only LOVE."

13 likes

Source: FaceBook post by Paulo Coelho from Apr 30, 2012

About the author

Paulo Coelho

Writer

Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian author best known for 'The Alchemist', which explores themes of destiny, love, and self-discovery.

All quotes by Paulo Coelho →

Same author

More quotes by Paulo Coelho

See all →
Paulo Coelho Writer

"There are moments when troubles enter our lives and we can do nothing to avoid them. But they are there for a reason. Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there."

Read quote
Paulo Coelho Writer

"I love you like a river that understands that it must learn to flow differently over waterfalls and to rest in the shallows. I love you because we are all born in the same place, at the same source, which keeps us provided with a constant supply of water. And so, when we feel weak, all we have to do is wait a little. The spring returns, and the winter snows melt and fill us with new energy."

Read quote