We can only learn to love by loving is a powerful truth. It’s not a theory you study, but a skill you practice, like learning to swim by getting in the water.
Share Image Quote:Table of Contents
Meaning
The core message is that love isn’t a concept to be understood intellectually; it’s an active, experiential practice. You become loving by *doing* loving things.
Explanation
Look, here’s the thing I’ve seen time and again. People get stuck in their heads about love. They wait for the perfect feeling, the right person, the guarantee of no pain. But Coelho is saying that’s all backwards. Love is a verb. It’s clumsy at first. You’ll make mistakes. You’ll be awkward. But that’s the *process*. You can’t learn the piano by reading sheet music, right? You have to hit the wrong notes. Love is the same. Every act of kindness, every moment of patience, every choice to forgive—that’s a rep. That’s you building the muscle. It’s the doing that teaches you how to be.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Category | Love (89) |
| Topics | experience (26), learning (190), love general (86) |
| Literary Style | concise (408) |
| Emotion / Mood | warm (182) |
| Overall Quote Score | 85 (305) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes directly from Paulo Coelho’s 2005 novel, “The Zahir,” which was first published in Brazil. You’ll sometimes see it vaguely attributed to “Iris Murdoch” or other spiritual writers, but its true and verified origin is with Coelho.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Paulo Coelho (368) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Zahir (25) |
| 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 | We can only learn to love by loving |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 2005 (Brazil); ISBN: 978-0-06-083281-0; Latest Edition: HarperCollins 2006; 336 pages. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page 101, Chapter: The Practice of Love |