* Benevolence, the act of doing good for others, is intrinsically tied to love.
* Love is the driving force behind true benevolence. It motivates us to care for others and act in their best interests.
* Without love, benevolence becomes egotism. This means that good deeds are performed for selfish reasons, like seeking recognition, praise, or personal gain.
Here's a breakdown:
* Benevolence: Doing good deeds for others, showing kindness, compassion, and generosity.
* Love: A deep affection, care, and concern for another person or thing.
* Egotism: Excessive preoccupation with oneself, seeking personal gain, and prioritizing one's own interests above others.
Therefore, the statement implies that true benevolence originates from love, and without love, actions that appear benevolent are merely driven by egotism.
Examples:
* Benevolence with Love: A mother caring for her sick child out of love and concern.
* Benevolence with Egotism: A person donating money to charity to gain public recognition and bolster their reputation.
In essence, the phrase highlights the importance of love as the foundation for genuine compassion and kindness. When love is absent, even acts of good deeds can become self-serving and ultimately harmful.