Care is a state in which something does matter; it is the source
Hearken, O seekers of the heart and the spirit, to the words of Rollo May, the sage of human consciousness: "Care is a state in which something does matter; it is the source of human tenderness." In this utterance lies the ancient truth that the soul is awakened through concern, attention, and significance. To care is to recognize value, to invest spirit in the world, and to awaken the tender capacities of the heart.
In the theater of mortal life, many drift through existence without attachment, untouched by purpose or passion. May illuminates that care is the spark that transforms mere life into meaningful engagement. When something matters, when attention is given with sincerity, the soul opens to compassion, empathy, and the delicate tenderness that binds human beings together. To care is to affirm life, both one’s own and that of others.
The ancients, who chronicled the virtues of friendship, love, and civic duty, understood that tenderness arises from the recognition of significance. The parent who nurtures, the teacher who guides, the friend who listens—all act from care, from the conscious acknowledgment that another being, or a task, is worthy of effort and devotion. In this state, the heart is cultivated, and the bonds of community and love are strengthened.
Yet this teaching carries subtle depth: care is not mere sentiment, but a state of consciousness and responsibility. May’s insight urges the seeker to engage deliberately, to recognize what truly matters, and to allow such recognition to guide action. It is in the earnest attention to the world and its beings that tenderness flourishes, and the soul discovers its capacity for depth, generosity, and connection.
Therefore, O children of the spirit and heart, let this teaching lodge in your souls: care is the sacred wellspring from which tenderness, compassion, and human warmth flow. In attending with devotion to that which matters, one honors life itself, nurtures connection, and embodies the timeless wisdom of the ancients, who knew that the heart’s true strength is measured in its capacity to care deeply and act with love.
HLBui Hoang Long
Rollo May’s words offer a profound insight into the nature of care. When we care for something, it becomes significant, and in turn, that significance nurtures tenderness. Do you think that caring deeply about something can make us more vulnerable? How does the state of care influence your relationships—does it make you more compassionate or more guarded?
YMYenn Mon
This quote highlights how care goes beyond mere concern—it’s the emotional foundation of tenderness. It makes me wonder how often we truly express care versus just feeling obligated to do so. Can someone care for another person without being tender, or is tenderness an essential component of genuine care? How can we ensure that our care for others is not only shown in actions but also in warmth and understanding?
HVHuy Vo
Rollo May’s quote strikes me as a reminder that care is at the core of human connection. It’s what leads to empathy and kindness. But in a world where people are often busy and distracted, how can we maintain that sense of care for others and avoid becoming hardened or indifferent? Do you think genuine care for others is becoming more rare in today's society?
VTle van thanh
I love how this quote ties care to something that truly matters. It makes me realize that when we care about something, we naturally show tenderness and compassion. But does that mean that in moments of apathy, we become less tender? How can we cultivate care for things that we might not initially feel strongly about, and can that create more tender connections with others?
GNNguyen Gia Nguyen
This quote brings a deeper meaning to the concept of care. It suggests that tenderness isn’t something we can force—it arises from genuinely caring about something or someone. Do you agree with the idea that tenderness comes from a place of genuine concern? How do you distinguish between caring for someone and simply feeling obligated to help them?