I’m trying to analyze and discuss “love.” But I don’t want to do it from a spiritual angle, nor a wishy-washy, pastel-colored, anne-geddes-baby-dressed-as-a-sunflower way either. I believe that “love” is one of the greatest characteristics of (but not limited to) the species Homo Sapiens. And I believe it is something that evolved and may be inherent in our genes. So, the phrase popped into my head as a respectful play-on-words of Richard Dawkin’s classic, “The Selfish Gene.”
And does this mean I disagree with Dawkins? Absolutely not. (And actually, I’m a big fan.) First of all, he believes that humans are capable of acting against their genes, and do so regularly. Does this mean I think “love” something we do in spite of our genes? Well, my non-scientific opinion is that some genes geared toward self-preservation, while other genes are geared for altruistic selflessness. Of course, some selfless behavior can, in the long run, fulfill selfish needs. But at the same time, I believe there are actions that are so amazingly selfless that the genes cannot be the only explanation.
And why study “love?” Frankly, and as trite as this sounds, I believe it is the best answer to all our problems, including, but not limited to, school-bullying, depression, drug-abuse, poverty, crime, environmental preservation, and war.
(Of course, religionists will claim that God is the answer to all those problems. But if you look at one religion’s scripture, it says “God is love.” So, from a mathematical perspective, they really should have not have any opposition to my idea, right?)
And if “love” is an answer to our problems, the same way that medicine is an answer to health, can we not study “love” the same way? Can we not strip “love” of all its religious and sentimental trappings and study, value, and harness it the same way we do quantum mechanics and biochemistry?
Thus, I plan to do a number of things in this blog. Obviously, it will be a journal for my thoughts on the subject. But I will also post stuff like what other people have said about love, works of art that express the idea of love, and examples of truly amazing altruism.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy my blog, and invite you to contribute.
