Anthony de Mello was an Indian psychologist and Jesuit priest who lived from 1931 to 1987. He was well-known for his spiritual writings, which frequently questioned conventional religious beliefs while providing guidance on self-awareness and personal development. He examined a number of important concepts, including striking a balance between following the law and enjoying the freedom that comes from true love.

According to De Mello's teachings, following the law can help keep society in order, but true love frequently necessitates going beyond these strict bounds. Consider a garden where every plant has precise requirements for where to grow. These guidelines might keep things tidy and organized, but they might also stop plants from growing organically. Similarly, de Mello contends that in order to foster real connections, it is occasionally necessary to defy social norms in order to engage in acts of compassion and genuine relationships.

According to him, obedience is similar to following a map that provides precise instructions for overcoming obstacles in life. By making sure everyone takes the same routes, it offers security and averts mayhem. But when it no longer serves the greater good or one's own well-being, love can be thought of as the compass that each individual possesses, guiding them beyond simply following the map.

In addition to encouraging people to critically examine social norms, De Mello thought that empathy and understanding could help people connect with others on a deeper level. This method fosters community harmony and personal development by allowing for flexibility in how one engages with the outside world.