Love is like a flower… it’s one of those simple truths that hits you harder the more you live. It’s about understanding that real connection can’t be forced or controlled, it has to be given space to grow on its own terms. Once you get this, it changes how you approach every relationship in your life.
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Meaning
At its heart, this quote is about non-possessiveness. It’s a warning that trying to own and control love is the very thing that will kill it.
Explanation
Let’s break this down, because it’s deceptively simple. The “picking” isn’t just about ending a relationship. It’s about that constant need to define it, to label it, to secure it. It’s the jealousy, the smothering, the demand for constant reassurance. That’s the picking. You’re pulling at the petals to see if it still loves you, and in the process, you destroy it. “Letting it be” is the real work. It’s trust. It’s giving the other person room to breathe, to be themselves, to choose you freely every single day. That’s the soil where it blossoms. It’s not passive; it’s an active, courageous practice of faith.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Category | Love (89) |
| Topics | freedom (82), growth (413), patience (51) |
| Literary Style | metaphoric (105), poetic (635) |
| Emotion / Mood | hopeful (357), peaceful (147) |
| Overall Quote Score | 84 (319) |
Origin & Factcheck
This one is correctly attributed to Paulo Coelho. It comes straight from his 2003 novel, Eleven Minutes. You’ll sometimes see similar sentiments floating around the internet attributed to others, but this specific, beautiful phrasing is all Coelho.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Paulo Coelho (368) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Eleven Minutes (47) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Paulo Coelho(1947) is a world acclaimed novelist known for his writings which covers spirituality with underlying human emotion with a profound storytelling. His transformative pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago inspired his breakthrough book, The Pilgrimage which is soon followed by The Alchemist< which went on to become the best seller. Through mystical narratives and introspective style, Paulo Coelho even today inspires millions of people who are seeking meaning and purpose in their life
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Love is like a flower. If you pick it, it dies. If you let it be, it blossoms |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 2003 (Brazil); ISBN: 978-0-06-058928-8; Latest Edition: HarperCollins 2004; 288 pages. |
| Where is it? | Chapter 47, Approximate page from 2003 edition |