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Mark Lapierre · 01-30-2007, 11:48 PM

I agree with both Adam's and Michael's definitions to some extent.

I don't believe love exists in any physical form. So I don't believe it is an energy.

I agree with Bruce that the word "love" is misused, but only because people sometimes use it to mislead others, or are misleading themselves yet believing what they feel is what they define as love when it is either lust or some other feeling.

Love is an abstract concept, and it's very hard to reach a common understanding of abstract concepts defined in the English language (though I don't know if it's any easier in other languages). There are many degrees of love, which I think is why Bruce is unsatisfied with other's definition of love; they apply it to many degrees of love, but he thinks it should only apply to something which is greater, and all-encompassing. Would that be right Bruce?

If that's the case, I think we're assigning yet another meaning to the word, and one which unnecessarily adds to the existing complexity.

Love can't be measured, but when the word is used to describe a feeling, its intensity can vary. Unlike renie I would still consider love to be the feeling I feel for someone I would hesitate to run into a burning building to save. I would still love them, just slightly less than someone I wouldn't hesitate to risk my life for.

I no longer have an issue with the way in which the word love is used. Either the context in which it is used will reveal the level of emotion being described, or I'll ask for clarification until that revelation occurs.

01-30-2007, 11:48 PM	#18 (permalink)
Mark Lapierre Family Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 1,061	I agree with both Adam's and Michael's definitions to some extent. I don't believe love exists in any physical form. So I don't believe it is an energy. I agree with Bruce that the word "love" is misused, but only because people sometimes use it to mislead others, or are misleading themselves yet believing what they feel is what they define as love when it is either lust or some other feeling. Love is an abstract concept, and it's very hard to reach a common understanding of abstract concepts defined in the English language (though I don't know if it's any easier in other languages). There are many degrees of love, which I think is why Bruce is unsatisfied with other's definition of love; they apply it to many degrees of love, but he thinks it should only apply to something which is greater, and all-encompassing. Would that be right Bruce? If that's the case, I think we're assigning yet another meaning to the word, and one which unnecessarily adds to the existing complexity. Love can't be measured, but when the word is used to describe a feeling, its intensity can vary. Unlike renie I would still consider love to be the feeling I feel for someone I would hesitate to run into a burning building to save. I would still love them, just slightly less than someone I wouldn't hesitate to risk my life for. I no longer have an issue with the way in which the word love is used. Either the context in which it is used will reveal the level of emotion being described, or I'll ask for clarification until that revelation occurs.