the meaning of the parable for calvin was, instead, that "compassion, which an enemy showed to a jew, demonstrates that the guidance and teaching of nature are sufficient to show that man was created for the sake of man. hence it is inferred that there is a mutual obligation between all men." in other writings, calvin pointed out that people are not born merely for themselves, but rather "mankind is knit together with a holy knot ... we must not live for ourselves, but for our neighbors." earlier, cyril of alexandria had written that "a crown of love is being twined for him who loves his neighbour."