How to love yourself and others?
Love is one of the most profound topics in philosophy and humanity, and philosophical minds have addressed it from different angles and perspectives. Let's get to know this concept from the perspective of philosophers, then move on to practical steps that will help you love yourself and others.
Love in the eyes of philosophers
Plato's view: Love is eternal good
Plato sees in his book The Symposium that love is "the desire to possess good forever." For him, love goes beyond feelings to become a state of striving for virtue and goodness.
Aristotle: Love is the union of souls
In his book Ethics to Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle says: "Love is one soul dwelling in two bodies." Aristotle links love to spiritual unity and a deep connection between people.
Schopenhauer: A pessimistic view of love
Contrary to optimism, Schopenhauer sees in his book The Metaphysics of Sexual Love that love is just an illusion that drives humans to reproduce, in a world full of suffering.
Nietzsche: Love between madness and reason
In his book Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Nietzsche sees that love contains some madness, but it is not devoid of reason, which makes it a complex state that combines contradictions.
Erich Fromm: Love as an action and practice
In his book The Art of Loving, Erich Fromm considers that love is not just a feeling, but an action and practice that requires developing oneself and working to improve relationships.
Types of Love
Love is not one type, but includes several types:
Spiritual love: which elevates a person above the material world.
Maternal and paternal love: represented by the giving of parents.
Sibling love: which builds strong relationships between friends.
Erotic love: which is characterized by emotional and physical attraction.
How do you love yourself?
1. Enhancing self-love
Before you love others, you must start by loving yourself. Accept your flaws and work on developing yourself constantly.
2. Self-confidence
Self-confidence attracts others to you, as it makes your personality magnetic and influential.
3. Setting Clear Boundaries
Learn to set personal boundaries to maintain your psychological comfort and keep out intruders and exploiters.
How to Love Others?
1. Helping Others Wisely
Offer support and assistance to others without allowing them to cross your personal boundaries.
2. Moral and Social Commitment
Act according to your values and respect the cultural customs in which you live, which makes your love more sincere and appreciated.
3. Tolerance and Inner Peace
Practice tolerance, and avoid bullying or hurting the feelings of others. Maintain your inner peace to maintain your relationships.
Conclusion
As Voltaire said: "With love we either exist or we do not exist." Love begins with oneself and spreads to others, and it is the basis of our existence in this world. Learn to love and appreciate yourself, and be a positive person who attracts love from others.
#Self_Love #Self_Development #Positive_Relationships #Art_of_Love #Inner_Peace