She loved him for his own sake, and therefore she would rather have suffered his absence if he flourished than to have enjoyed his presence if he languished; her sorrow over his avoidable languishing would overshadow her delight in his presence. For a lover, it is more blessed to give than to receive, even when giving pierces the lover's heart.
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In the passage, the author describes a profound and selfless love where the lover prioritizes the beloved's well-being above her own happiness. She would endure deep sorrow rather than see the one she loves suffer, illustrating an ideal of love that is rooted in genuine concern for the other person's flourishing. This perspective emphasizes that true love is about giving and sacrificing, even if it means experiencing pain in the process.
The notion presented suggests that the essence of love transcends personal enjoyment. The lover finds greater fulfillment in supporting the loved one's growth, even at the cost of their own joy. This reflects a deep commitment to the loved one's state of being, suggesting that selfless love often requires painful sacrifices, ultimately highlighting the nobility that can exist within intimate relationships.
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