The More Love You Give

Topic: Love, Compassion, & Kindness

If you send out goodness from yourself, or if you share that which is happy or good within you, it will all come back to you multiplied ten thousand times. In the kingdom of love there is no competition; there is no possessiveness or control. The more love you give away, the more love you will have.

John O’Donohue

John O'Donohue, born on January 1, 1956, in County Clare, Ireland, was a poet and author recognized for his contemplative approach to spirituality and nature. His early years, surrounded by the stark beauty of the Irish landscape, had a profound impact on his life's work. He studied at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, where he completed his Ph.D. focusing on the philosophy of Hegel. O'Donohue was fluent in Irish, a skill that connected him deeply with his cultural roots and the literary heritage of his homeland.

After his ordination and time spent serving as a priest, O'Donohue shifted his focus to writing and public speaking. His works, including "Anam Cara" and "Beauty," reflect his commitment to revealing the interplay between the spiritual and the tangible. O'Donohue's philosophical background informed his writing, allowing him to present complex ideas with clarity. His books, examining the nuances of human relationships and the natural world, garnered attention for their depth and insight.

O'Donohue passed away on January 4, 2008. His contributions to the fields of philosophy, spirituality, and literature remain valued for their introspection and wisdom. His understanding of Celtic traditions and his perspective on the human experience continue to be appreciated by readers looking for substance and reflection in their contemplative pursuits.

(1956-2008)
Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

O'Donohue, John. Anam ċara: a Book of Celtic Wisdom. Harper Perennial, 2004.

John O’Donohue

Theme: Love

About This John O’Donohue Quotation [Commentary]

John O’Donohue begins with a simple but far-reaching observation: “If you send out goodness from yourself, or if you share that which is happy or good within you, it will all come back to you multiplied ten thousand times.” His emphasis is not on reward as a transaction, but on the generous movement of the heart. Goodness is not diminished by being shared. It continues its work in the lives of others while also enriching the one who gives. John O’Donohue invites us to trust that what is genuinely good returns with greater abundance.

He then describes “the kingdom of love,” where “there is no competition; there is no possessiveness or control.” These words challenge the fear that kindness or affection are limited and must be protected or earned. When competition ends, people are free to rejoice in one another’s well-being. When possessiveness and control are set aside, relationships become places of freedom rather than ownership. John O’Donohue points to a way of living in which each person is valued and love grows through generosity.

The passage reaches its fullest expression in these words: “The more love you give away, the more love you will have.” This is the heart of his message. Unlike material things that become less when divided, love grows as it is shared. Every act of kindness, forgiveness, encouragement, or faithful presence enlarges our capacity to give and receive. John O’Donohue reminds us that love is not something to cling to, but something to offer freely. As it is shared, it becomes more fully alive within us and among us.

Commentary By Krista Tippett

Krista Tippett, in her reflections on John O’Donohue’s Anam Ċara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom, appreciates his unique blend of philosophy, poetry, and spirituality. She discusses O’Donohue’s view that everyone is an artist, involved in the creative act of living, which she finds deeply resonant. Tippett highlights his insights on time and the importance of slowing down to embrace life’s deeper rhythms. She notes, “O’Donohue was poetic about the possibility of creating our own inner landscapes of beauty, to keep us vital in the midst of bleak and dangerous surroundings and experiences” (The On Being Project) (The On Being Project). This encapsulates her admiration for his ability to articulate the transformative power of beauty and spiritual friendship.

—O’Donohue, John. Anam Ċara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom. Harper Perennial, 2004.

The More Love You Give

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