Concept
Active Love
Also known as active living love, love in action, humble love, loving humility, the highest love on earth, love your neighbor actively and indefatigably.
Active Love is Father Zossima's answer to Madame Hohlakov's hunger for proof of faith and immortality. He does not offer an argument, but a practice: love one's neighbor actively and indefatigably, and conviction will grow through experience. He sharply distinguishes this difficult, durable love from love in dreams, which wants quick sacrifice, applause, and an easy end.
V-I. The Engagement
Alyosha and Lise apply the teaching to Captain Snegiryov, trying to care for an injured proud man as one would care for a child or for the sick.
VI-III. Conversations And Exhortations Of Father Zossima
Zossima's final teaching expands the idea into loving humility: a person must take responsibility for all, love children especially, and serve without ceasing even when no reward is visible.
This entry is sealed. You have not yet read far enough to open it.