“You can only control your attempt at loving, not the actual behavior”
— Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Simplified Meaning:
When you love someone, you can give your best effort to show your love through actions and words. However, you cannot make the other person feel or act the same way in return. Just like a gardener can plant seeds, water them, and provide sunlight, but cannot force the flowers to bloom. Each flower will grow at its own pace, and some may not bloom at all. In relationships, this means you should focus on being kind and loving without expecting anything specific in return. This makes your love genuine and not dependent on how others react or feel. For example, you might do something special for a friend, like baking their favorite cake, hoping to make them happy. They may appreciate it deeply, or they may not show much reaction at all, and that is beyond your control. The key takeaway is to find joy in the act of loving itself. Concentrate on what you can do, and let go of trying to manage how others respond. This approach can help people avoid disappointment and stay positive, no matter how others behave.