Love is a complex human emotion that has inspired philosophers, poets and songwriters. When writing an essay about love, students can choose to approach the topic from a philosophical, psychological or literary angle. To get started, students can read famous essays on the subject by writers such as Alain de Botton or Bell hooks. These examples can help students hone their writing skills while also providing them with a solid foundation for their own essays on the subject of love.
A person in love may feel compassion for others, especially those who are suffering or having a hard time. In addition, the person in love often feels a desire to make the other happy and is willing to take on difficult tasks to accomplish this. A person in love may also be a caring and attentive parent who treats his or her children with respect and kindness. Love can also be felt for pets, animals and nature.
Many scholars and scientists have a number of theories about the origins of love. Some view it as a biological drive, similar to the way in which mammals experience hunger or thirst. Other scholars see it as a mixture of emotions and behaviors that are influenced by hormones such as oxytocin and neurotrophins.
For example, brain imaging studies of people in the throes of romantic love show that the chemicals dopamine, adrenaline and oxytocin activate a range of neural pathways in the brain, giving the feeling of euphoria and attachment. This is why a person’s cheeks may glow and his or her hands become sweaty when in the midst of this stage of love.