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The Evolution of Love
Originally published in Berlin in 1920. The Austrian author was a "poet - philosopher", whose conception of the development of love must rank with the most daring speculations in early psychology. He develops the theory that love is not a primary instinct, but has been gradually evolved in historical time. Lucka distinguishes three great stages in the evolution of The Sexual Instinct - Love, including the deification of women and perversions of metaphysical eroticism - The Blending of Sexuality and Love. He concludes with thoughts on the Psychogenetic Law. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1920
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August 12, 2025
The Evolution of Love by Emil Lucka
⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Thought-Provoking but Outdated
The Evolution of Love by Emil Lucka is less a factual history and more a philosophical theory on how human love has changed over time. While some ideas about cultural shifts in romance are interesting, much of the book reflects the outdated gender views of the early 20th century.
Lucka claims that in early humanity, “love” didn’t exist as we know it, monogamy was rare, and women were valued mainly for reproduction — ideas that are more speculative than scientific. He also points out the immorality and corruption among powerful figures, including popes, which was eye-opening but sadly feels just as relevant today.
One wild insight is how he describes marriage historically: it was often a social contract without true love between spouses. In many cases, people sought “true love” outside marriage with lovers, which feels so foreign today when marriage is ideally about love and partnership.
As a modern reader, the gender bias was hard to digest, and his tendency to romanticize past inequality left me uncomfortable. That said, I did find parts of his “stages of love” concept thought-provoking, especially when he explores how spiritual connection and physical attraction can blend. I can see the value in reading it as a product of its time, but it’s not a book I’d turn to for factual history or modern insight.
Overall, it’s a challenging read — interesting in places, frustrating in others — and it made me reflect on how far we’ve come in some areas… and how little has changed in others.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Thought-Provoking but Outdated
The Evolution of Love by Emil Lucka is less a factual history and more a philosophical theory on how human love has changed over time. While some ideas about cultural shifts in romance are interesting, much of the book reflects the outdated gender views of the early 20th century.
Lucka claims that in early humanity, “love” didn’t exist as we know it, monogamy was rare, and women were valued mainly for reproduction — ideas that are more speculative than scientific. He also points out the immorality and corruption among powerful figures, including popes, which was eye-opening but sadly feels just as relevant today.
One wild insight is how he describes marriage historically: it was often a social contract without true love between spouses. In many cases, people sought “true love” outside marriage with lovers, which feels so foreign today when marriage is ideally about love and partnership.
As a modern reader, the gender bias was hard to digest, and his tendency to romanticize past inequality left me uncomfortable. That said, I did find parts of his “stages of love” concept thought-provoking, especially when he explores how spiritual connection and physical attraction can blend. I can see the value in reading it as a product of its time, but it’s not a book I’d turn to for factual history or modern insight.
Overall, it’s a challenging read — interesting in places, frustrating in others — and it made me reflect on how far we’ve come in some areas… and how little has changed in others.
Displaying 1 of 1 review