This quote from author and social activist bell hooks appeared in her essay “Love as the Practice of Freedom,” published in 1994. In the piece, she presents her concept of an “ethic of love,” arguing for compassion — long revered in the world's organized religions — to be integrated into the social and political realms as well. “A culture of domination is anti-love,” hooks wrote, insisting that only love can bring about freedom and equality for all people.