Status Updates From The Four Loves

We all have behaviours and habits which require grace from our loved ones. In that sense, we are all receiving charity (love) in some form. Still, it’s often exceptionally hard for us to accept charity, or what we perceive to be ‘pity’.

Charity is not charity unless it’s given earnestly; not as a snub, IOU, etc. Moreover, being open to both giving and receiving it (as a form of love) deepens our humanity.

Granted it was written in 1960, (unsurprisingly) parts of it haven’t aged well. But I’m glad I finally read this. It’s been on my list for 7 years and got me to reflect on how pop culture and social norms have shifted over time.

‘It is the very nature of Eros that we would rather be unhappy with our beloved than happy apart.’

What a fun way to say, love makes us do stupid sh*t.

‘We are born helpless. As soon as we are fully conscious we discover loneliness. We need others physically, emotionally, intellectually; we need them if we are to know anything, even ourselves’

“When natural things look most divine, the demoniac is just round the corner.”

Good so far - talking about how love of things can be good, but when it’s idolized it can become unhealthy. Starting the part on “Affection” tomorrow!

Some of his books really feel like you’re just sitting down talking to him, very cozy

“It is therefore easy to see why Authority frowns on Friendship. Every real Friendship is a sort of secession, even a rebellion […] Men who have real Friends are less easy to manage or ‘get at’; harder for good Authorities to correct or for bad Authorities to corrupt.”