Understanding True Love: Beyond Our Instincts

The Illusion of Common Love

When we think of love, we often envision the emotions celebrated in songs and poetry — passionate, overwhelming, and gloriously fulfilling. Yet, this conventional idea of love is largely driven by our own needs and desires. It’s a type of love that thrives on personal gain, blooming when conditions are favorable and withering when they’re not. This is not true love; it’s a reflection of our inherent self-interest and ego.

Redefining True Love

True love, in its purest form, is not something we possess from birth. It doesn’t come to us naturally; it requires effort, education, and intent. Unlike the instinctive and often blind love we fall into, true love is conscious and deliberate. It’s a learned behavior that stands in stark contrast to the “self-love” that drives much of our everyday actions.

The Role of True Love in Nature

True love is the backbone of mutual integration within the natural world. It’s a force that drives the selfless cooperation necessary for life and positive development. If the cells and organs in our body didn’t operate on this principle of selfless love, life as we know it would cease in an instant.

Our Human Challenge

As humans, we are unique in the natural world because we must actively develop this true love. It’s a quest to rise above our basic instincts and selfish desires. By cultivating true love, we begin to align ourselves with the primal force of love that underpins all of creation.

The Path to Becoming Truly Human

The term “human” in Hebrew, Adam, derives from the word adameh, which means “to be similar.” To become truly human, according to this definition, means to develop a capacity for true love that reflects the original love found in nature. By practicing the principle of “Love your friend as yourself” — often misunderstood and rarely achieved — we can reach this state of similarity.

The Reward of True Love

By mastering true love, we not only transform ourselves but also become conscious participants in the life-sustaining processes of the world. We evolve into beings that not only emulate but also enhance the flow of life around us, achieving the pinnacle of natural evolution as truly human beings.