It takes courage to love, but pain through love is the purifying fire which those who love generously know. We all know people who are so much afraid of pain that they shut themselves up like clams in a shell and, giving out nothing, receive nothing and therefore shrink until life is a mere living death.

This quote means that it takes bravery to open yourself up to someone and show them love because when you do, you can experience a lot of pain. This pain is actually a good thing because it can help to purify the way you love. People who love generously understand this. However, some people are so scared of getting hurt that they close themselves off from others and don’t give or receive anything. If this happens, these people’s lives can become dull and lifeless.