Love is a complex emotion that has fascinated philosophers, poets, and ordinary individuals for centuries. It has the power to transform relationships, and even our world. But what exactly is love?
There is no single answer to this question, as the nature of love varies across cultures and throughout history. It can be defined as a feeling of affection and attraction, a sense of commitment, or even a spiritual calling. In many cases, love can be more about a lifelong relationship that helps the two people grow into their best selves than it is about any feelings of attraction or pleasure.
Different perspectives on what love is often influenced by culture, history, and religion. For example, some people believe that the word “love” can be used to describe a romantic relationship with a partner while others use it to describe close friendships or platonic affection. Adding to the confusion is the fact that there are several synonyms for love, such as lust and attachment.
The biological view of love sees it as a mating instinct fueled by hormones like oxytocin and neurotrophins, as well as the person’s pheromones. The traditional psychological view combines companionate love with feelings of passion and attachment. The religious view of love often involves a belief that God created us to share in his own divine love. In Christianity, the practical definition of this love is that one should desire the success of their neighbor. In Hinduism, the practice of love is called bhakti. Bhakti is characterized by devotion and service to the divine, and it is described in religious scriptures such as the Bhagavata Purana and works by Tulsidas.