Hermann Hesse [1877-1962] ⋅ The Seasons of the Soul

"It is a mysterious and yet simple secret known to the sages of all ages: the most minute act of selfless devotion, every act of compassion given in love makes us richer, whereas every effort towards possession and power weakens our strength and make us poorer... Every time we act in the spirit of selflessness, out of loving sacrifice, every compassionate act of service, every renunciation of self-interest looks like a squandering, a self-deprivation and yet the truth is: such acts enrich us and make us grow. No other way leads forward and upward."

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