By Jared Harding Wilson
Welcome to today’s Quote of the Day! In a world that often feels drained by demands and distractions, it’s refreshing to pause and reflect on words that remind us of the boundless nature of certain human experiences. Today’s quote comes from the renowned French author and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:
“True love is inexhaustible; the more you give, the more you have.”
This profound statement captures the essence of love as a renewable resource, one that grows through generosity rather than diminishing. Unlike material possessions that can be depleted, true love thrives on sharing—whether it’s with a partner, family, friends, or even strangers. It’s a reminder that acts of kindness and vulnerability don’t subtract from our emotional reserves; instead, they multiply them, creating deeper connections and a fuller heart.
Think about it in your own life: Have you ever noticed how helping a friend in need leaves you feeling more energized, or how expressing affection to a loved one strengthens your bond? Saint-Exupéry’s words encourage us to embrace love without fear of running out, turning it into an endless cycle of giving and receiving.
About the Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900–1944) was more than just a writer; he was a pioneering aviator whose adventures in the skies inspired much of his literary work. Best known for his timeless novella The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince), which has been translated into over 300 languages and continues to enchant readers of all ages, Saint-Exupéry blended philosophy, poetry, and storytelling in his writings.
His life was marked by daring flights, crashes, and a mysterious disappearance during a reconnaissance mission in World War II. But beyond his professional exploits, Saint-Exupéry’s personal life offers a fascinating glimpse into the very theme of his quote: enduring love.
An Interesting Story: The Whirlwind Romance with Consuelo
One of the most captivating chapters in Saint-Exupéry’s life was his passionate, albeit turbulent, marriage to Consuelo Suncin Sandoval de Gómez, a Salvadoran writer and artist who became his muse and the inspiration for the delicate rose in The Little Prince.
Their love story began in 1930 in Buenos Aires, where Saint-Exupéry was working as a commercial pilot for Aéropostale. Consuelo, already twice widowed and known for her fiery spirit, met the dashing aviator at a literary gathering. According to accounts, their connection was instantaneous—a true whirlwind romance. Legend has it that shortly after meeting, Saint-Exupéry took Consuelo on a flight over the city. High above the ground, he playfully threatened to dive the plane unless she kissed him. She did, and just six months later, they were married.
Their relationship was far from smooth; it was filled with separations due to his flying career, mutual infidelities, and emotional storms. Yet, despite the challenges, their bond endured. Saint-Exupéry often wrote tender letters to Consuelo, pouring out hismmortalized their story in her memoir The Tale of the Rose, describing a love that was as vast and unpredictable as the skies he navigated. This tempestuous partnership mirrored the inexhaustible nature of true love—giving endlessly, even through hardship, and emerging stronger.
A Complementary Perspective: Insights from Dallin H. Oaks
To broaden our reflection on love’s inexhaustible quality, let’s consider a spiritual viewpoint from Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In his October 2024 general conference address, “Following Christ,” he emphasized the importance of choosing love in our interactions:
“We need to love and do good to all. We need to avoid contention and be peacemakers.”
This guidance aligns beautifully with Saint-Exupéry’s quote, reminding us that love is not passive but an active choice. We have the agency to put forth love into the world—through kindness, understanding, and peacemaking—or to withhold it, potentially veering into the opposite direction of contention, conflict, negativity, and judgment. The choice is yours. By opting for love, we not only fulfill a divine commandment but also experience the multiplication of love that Saint-Exupéry described.
Final Thoughts
Saint-Exupéry’s quote isn’t just poetic; it’s a lived philosophy, evident in his own life’s adventures and affections. Echoed in Oaks’s teachings, it calls us to consciously choose love over division. As we go about our day, let’s challenge ourselves to give a little more love—to listen actively, to offer support, or simply to express gratitude. You might just find that your capacity for it expands beyond what you imagined.
What does this quote mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Until next time, keep giving!
Photo by Jared Harding Wilson. All rights reserved.
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