The Origin Of Love: Myths And Science
Science has often explored the origin of love. Hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin are usually believed to play a role in romantic feelings and attachment. It’s also believed that humans’ capacity for love may have developed to promote procreation and help the species survive in groups. Family love is also frequently viewed from an evolutionary standpoint as a tool to maintain relationships that typically provide safety, shelter, and food. While it can be fascinating to look at the science behind love, speaking with a therapist about the specifics of your relationships may be more helpful in addressing any interpersonal challenges you may be experiencing.
The role of hormones
Love is often believed to be a complex interplay between various hormones, neurotransmitters, and other neural processes in the brain that control the emotional response and drive us toward romantic connection.
In general, the role of hormones in the formation and expression of love has long been studied. Hormones like oxytocin, vasopressin, and dopamine are typically known to be involved in the formation of close bonds between individuals and in the expression of love.
Studies have also suggested that these hormones may be linked to the intensity of a person’s romantic feelings and their attachment level to their partner.
Social psychology and evolutionary biology
Social psychology and evolutionary biology are two branches of science that may explain love's origin. Social psychology usually looks at how culture and interpersonal relationships influence our emotions, while evolutionary biology normally looks at how natural selection has shaped our behavior.
Through these two branches of science, we can gain insight into why humans form solid bonds and why we may experience the emotion of love.
Infants may begin developing cognitive abilities that influence their reactions to stimuli at a very young age, potentially including positive responses toward love from others, such as parents or caregivers.
This reinforcement may help them form positive relationships with others throughout life, possibly creating stronger bonds based on feelings of trust, loyalty, and understanding that may represent the basis for more mature forms of love, such as romantic relationships or platonic friendships.
Plato's origin of love myth
In Plato's Symposium, he tells a myth about the origin of love between humans. According to the myth, humans were four-legged creatures with two heads who walked upright. They were powerful beings, and they threatened the gods, so Zeus decided to split them in half as punishment. After being split in half, these "creatures" felt incomplete and desperate for their other halves. Their longing for completion was what we know today as "love."
Plato believed that this myth explained why people feel attracted to certain people or certain types of people – because our souls may believe that if we find our "other half," then we can become whole again.
He also believed that when two people are in love, their souls may be fulfilled because they are reunited with their missing piece. This can explain why, when two lovers break up, it can feel like a part of them has been taken away, because their soul may believe that part is gone forever.
The myth and modern life
Plato's myth on the origin of love may still resonate with us today because it can give us insight into why we experience love in specific ways. We may not realize it consciously, but for some of us, deep down in our souls, we may yearn for someone who can make us feel complete again – someone who can act as our “missing piece.”
This may be why, when we meet someone special, it sometimes feels like something inside us shifts; this might be our soul recognizing its other half for the first time!
The origins of family love
Evolutionary biology has largely explained why some humans feel so strongly about family love. From an evolutionary standpoint, family and tribes can be vital because they usually provide us with the necessary resources to survive and reproduce.
Some may form close bonds with their families because these relationships give them food, shelter, and safety—all things that are normally necessary for our survival and well-being.
As humans evolved, our brains likely developed mechanisms for forming strong attachments with our families to maintain those important relationships over long periods. This can explain why families often have a deep connection to each other—our brains may be hardwired to preserve those relationships.
The role of culture in family love
Culture may also play an essential role in shaping how we view family love. In many cultures, intense loyalty to one's family is seen as admirable; it can show strength of character and commitment to one's kin. This type of cultural reinforcement may further strengthen the attachment between families by reinforcing positive behaviors within the group.
Progression of love and relationships
The way we meet people may have changed dramatically over time. In older generations, arranged marriages tended to be more common, and families would often choose prospective partners for their children. In modern times, people tend to be more likely to meet through online sites or apps. We can now connect with people from all over the world without ever leaving our homes!
This advance in technology has generally made it easier than ever to find potential partners with similar interests and values. However, some traditionalists may prefer to still meet their partners through family or friends, and that can be perfectly okay, too!
Showing affection
In past generations, couples usually showed their affection differently than they do today. For example, holding hands in public could be considered scandalous, but now, it is usually regarded as a typical expression of affection between two people.
Also, physical intimacy in a relationship was not always very well accepted before. Couples were normally expected to wait until marriage for such displays of affection. Nowadays, though, kissing in public can be much more common, and physical intimacy is often encouraged before marriage (if both parties are comfortable). Additionally, couples may express their love without conventional marriage, which is becoming increasingly common.
Communication habits
The way we communicate with our partners may have also changed significantly over time. In the past, communication mainly happened face-to-face, but now, conversations can occur through phone or video chat.
This can make it easier for couples to stay connected even when they live far apart. Technology can also enable people to communicate more openly about their feelings and experiences with each other—something that wasn’t always possible before due to social taboos regarding discussing emotions or intimate topics between two people who weren’t married yet.
Benefits of online therapy for relationships
Online therapy can provide specialized therapists and more diverse treatment approaches than many local areas may be able to provide. In addition, couples can choose therapists who specialize in their particular area of need, whether that be working through issues such as communication difficulties, infidelity, parenting struggles, or unresolved conflict.
Furthermore, specific services, such as video conferencing, can empower couples to engage in real-time dialogue and interactive activities with their therapist, which is not always feasible with traditional face-to-face therapy sessions.
Effectiveness of online therapy for relationships
One study by The American Psychological Association (APA) found that couples who receive therapy for their relationship issues generally saw “significant improvements in relationship satisfaction, communication, and problem-solving skills” after only three months into their treatment plan. The same study also found that the effects of therapy were usually still felt up to five years after treatment ended.
Another study conducted by The National Institutes of Health (NIH) looked at the long-term effects of couples therapy and found that “the gains achieved through counseling were maintained over time” with no significant changes in participants’ levels of satisfaction or problem-solving skills during follow up assessments two and nine years later when compared to pretreatment measures. Another study recommended the use of online couples therapy as an alternative to traditional in-person therapy.
Takeaway
Where did the origin of love come from?
The concept of love has deep roots in human history and culture, and its origins are complex and multifaceted. Love is a fundamental human emotion and experience that has been explored and celebrated in various forms throughout human civilization. There are many different types of love with many different potential origins.
Some researchers suggest that human love, particularly romantic love and attachment, has evolutionary origins. It may have developed as a way to promote bonding between mates, ensuring the survival of offspring. The experience of love and attachment can lead to the formation of stable family units, which in turn can provide better stability and support for children.
What is the origin of love Aristophanes?
According to Aristophanes in his famous speech in Plato's Symposium, humans were originally quite different from how they are now. In the distant past, humans were dual beings, each consisting of two people joined together with four ears, two faces, and eight limbs consisting of four legs and four arms. These beings were powerful and threatened the gods with their abilities. In response, Zeus, the king of the gods, decided to split them in half as a way of diminishing their power and ensuring their continued worship of the gods.
Zeus ordered Apollo to perform the division, and as a result, humans were split into separate halves. Ever since, humans have been searching for their lost "other halves" in an attempt to feel whole again. This search for one's missing half is what Aristophanes identifies as the origin of love. When two people find each other and are drawn together by mutual attraction and affection, it is seen as the fulfillment of their quest to become whole once more.
What is the role of love in mythology?
Love plays a significant and multifaceted role in mythology across cultures throughout history. In mythology, love is often personified as gods, goddesses, or powerful beings, and it serves various functions, themes, and lessons within the stories. Here are some of the roles of love in mythology:
- Creation and Origin Stories: Love is sometimes depicted as a force that played a role in the creation of the world a long time ago, the moon, the sun, or humanity in general. For example, in Greek mythology, the union of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky) produced the Titans, while the love between Prometheus and Epimetheus played a role in the creation of humans.
- Divine Relationships: Mythology frequently features the love lives and relationships of gods and goddesses. These relationships can serve as both examples of ideal love and cautionary tales. For instance, the tumultuous love affairs among the Greek gods, such as the affairs of Zeus and his various lovers, showcase the complexities of love and its consequences.
- Heroic Journeys: Many mythological heroes embark on quests or journeys motivated by love. This love can be for a romantic partner, family, or even their people. The hero's actions are often driven by their love for someone or something, highlighting the power of love as a motivator.
- Tragic Love Stories: Mythology is replete with familiar tragic love stories, often involving star-crossed lovers who face insurmountable obstacles. The tragic love between Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare's play or the story of Orpheus and Eurydice in Greek mythology are prime examples. These stories explore themes of love, fate, and sacrifice.
- Moral and Ethical Lessons: Myths often contain moral and ethical lessons related to love. These stories may convey the consequences of selfish or destructive love, as well as the rewards of selfless and enduring love. For example, the story of Cupid and Psyche in Roman mythology teaches lessons about trust and perseverance in love.
- Transformation and Metaphor: Love in mythology can be transformative and metaphorical. It can symbolize personal growth, change, or enlightenment through self-love or loving another. The idea of "love conquering all" is a common theme, representing the idea that love has the power to overcome adversity.
- Religious and Ritualistic Love: In some mythologies, love is intertwined with religious practices and rituals. Love for a deity or divine figure can be a central element of worship and devotion.
- Cultural and Societal Values: Mythology often reflects the values and norms of a culture or society. Love stories in mythology can reinforce or challenge prevailing ideas about gender roles, marriage, and relationships.
Love in mythology serves as a powerful storytelling tool that explores the depths of human emotions, relationships, and the human condition. It provides insight into cultural beliefs, societal values, and the enduring nature of love as a universal and timeless theme.
What concept of love originated from the Greeks?
The ancient Greeks had multiple concepts of love, each represented by a different Greek word, reflecting the rich and nuanced understanding of love in their culture. Here are some of the key concepts of love originating from Greek culture:
- Eros: Eros represents passionate and romantic love, often associated with desire and physical attraction. In Greek mythology, Eros was the god of love and desire. This form of love is characterized by intense longing and sexual attraction.
- Philia: Philia refers to the love of friendship and camaraderie. It is the bond between friends and often involves mutual respect, trust, and common values. Philia emphasizes the importance of companionship, loyalty, and mutual support.
- Agape: Agape is often described as selfless, unconditional love. It goes beyond romantic or familial love and encompasses a broader, all-encompassing love for humanity. It is often associated with compassion, empathy, and charitable acts.
- Storge: Storge represents the love of family and affection between parents and children. It is the natural bond that exists within families and can extend to close friends or communities. Storge emphasizes familiarity, care, and a sense of belonging.
- Pragma: Pragma is the concept of enduring, mature love that develops over time. It is often associated with long-term, committed relationships such as marriages. Pragma prioritizes compatibility, mutual understanding, and compromise.
- Philautia: Philautia is self-love or self-care. It can be both healthy and unhealthy, depending on whether it is a positive self-regard that promotes personal growth or a narcissistic self-absorption that hinders healthy relationships.
These Greek concepts of love have had a profound influence on Western thought and continue to be explored and discussed in philosophy, psychology, literature, and everyday life. They provide a framework for understanding and articulating different aspects of the complex emotion of love and the various forms it can take in human relationships.
Who created love in Greek mythology?
In Greek mythology, love was not created by a single deity or entity; rather, it was considered a fundamental aspect of the human experience and the natural world. Love, in its various forms, was depicted as an inherent part of the human condition and was not attributed to a specific creator.
However, the Greek gods and goddesses were associated with different aspects of love and desire. The god Eros (also known as Cupid in Roman mythology) was often seen as the personification of romantic and passionate love. Eros was typically depicted as a mischievous and winged deity who could cause individuals to fall in love or experience desire.
While Eros was the god most closely associated with love, Greek mythology did not attribute the creation of love itself to any single deity. Love, in its many forms (including romantic love, familial love, and friendship), was seen as a natural and complex part of human existence, shaped by human emotions and experiences rather than being the creation of a specific mythological figure.
What did Socrates say about love?
Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, discussed and explored various aspects of love in his philosophical dialogues, most notably in Plato's "Symposium.” In this dialogue, a group of philosophers and intellectuals gather to discuss the nature of love, particularly the concept of Eros, the god of love. Socrates presents his ideas about love through the character of Diotima, a priestess and philosopher.
One of the key points that Socrates/Diotima makes about love is the concept of the "ascent of love." According to this idea:
- Love as a Spiritual Journey: Socrates suggests that love is not merely a physical or romantic desire but a profound spiritual journey. He argues that love begins with a physical attraction but has the potential to lead individuals toward the pursuit of wisdom and the divine.
- Progressive Stages of Love: Socrates outlines a series of stages or steps that individuals go through in their pursuit of love and wisdom. These stages include:
- Physical Love: At the initial stage, individuals are attracted to the physical beauty of another person. This is the most basic form of love.
- Love of Souls: As individuals explore their attraction further, they come to appreciate the qualities of the other person's soul. They seek a deeper connection based on mutual values, intellect, and character.
- Love of Beauty Itself: Socrates/Diotima suggests that the pursuit of love can lead individuals beyond the love of specific individuals to a love of beauty itself, which is eternal and unchanging. This is a love for abstract qualities and ideals.
- Love of Knowledge and Wisdom: Ultimately, the highest form of love is the love of knowledge and wisdom. Socrates argues that love drives individuals to seek understanding and wisdom, which leads to intellectual and spiritual growth.
What does Agathon say about love?
Agathon is a character in Plato's "Symposium," a philosophical dialogue in which various speakers, including Agathon, offer their views on the nature of love. Agathon is a young and handsome Athenian who has recently won a prestigious prize for his poetry, and he speaks near the end of the dialogue. Here are some key points from Agathon's speech about love:
- Love is Young and Beautiful: Agathon begins by praising the god Eros (Love) and describing Love as young and beautiful. He suggests that Love is the youngest of the gods and is characterized by youthfulness, grace, and beauty.
- Love is the Bestower of Virtue and Happiness: Agathon argues that Love is the source of all human virtues and qualities. He believes that Love inspires courage, wisdom, and other virtuous qualities in individuals. Agathon contends that Love also brings happiness and good fortune to those it favors.
- Love Desires the Good and Beautiful: Agathon emphasizes that Love desires what is good and beautiful. He argues that Love seeks to possess these qualities and to be in the company of what is admirable and excellent.
- Love is Not Need or Lack: Agathon distinguishes Love from need or deficiency. He suggests that Love is not a result of a lack of something, such as beauty or goodness, but rather an appreciation and admiration for these qualities.
- Love is Wise and Courageous: Agathon claims that Love is a wise and courageous god. He believes that Love enables individuals to act with intelligence and bravery, particularly in the pursuit of what is noble and virtuous.
Agathon's speech in the "Symposium" presents a somewhat idealized and poetic view of Love. While his speech is eloquent and well-received by the other participants in the dialogue, it is ultimately critiqued and expanded upon by Socrates, who offers a more nuanced and philosophical perspective on the nature of love.
What is Aristophanes' myth?
Aristophanes' myth is a key part of Plato's "Symposium," a philosophical dialogue in which various characters discuss the nature of love (Eros). Aristophanes, the renowned Athenian playwright, presents a mythological story to explain the origin and nature of love. His myth is sometimes referred to as the "Origin of Love" or the "Myth of the Androgynous Beings."
In Aristophanes' myth, he explains that humans were once quite different from how they are now. In the distant past, humans had a spherical shape and were composed of two people joined together, back to back. They had four arms, four legs, and two faces. These dual beings were very powerful and even posed a threat to the gods.
To address this situation, Zeus decided to weaken humans by splitting them in half. He did this using lightning bolts, resulting in each human being separated into two halves. These halves were left to wander the earth, searching for their lost counterparts. According to Aristophanes, the longing and desire people feel for romantic love are actually the echoes of their ancient condition as two halves seeking to be reunited.
The myth was reborn in the movie “Hedwig and the Angry Itch,” starring John Cameron Mitchell. The movie features a song called “Origin of Love” written by Stephen Trask that outlines the Aristophanes myth.
How does Aristophanes define love Eros in his speech in Plato's Symposium?
Aristophanes' speech in Plato's "Symposium" focuses on the nature of love (Eros) and the origin of human desire for love and connection. While Aristophanes' speech doesn't provide a strict definition of Eros, it offers insights into the characteristics and effects of Eros as understood in his mythological narrative. Here are some key points from Aristophanes' speech that shed light on his concept of Eros:
- Eros as Desire for Wholeness: Aristophanes presents Eros as the human desire for wholeness and completeness. He explains that humans were originally beings with two faces, four arms, and four legs, but they were split into two halves by the gods. Consequently, humans are now incomplete and yearn to be reunited with their missing halves, rather than hopping around on one leg so to speak. Eros, in this context, is the force that drives individuals to seek their "other half" and regain a sense of wholeness.
- Desire and Attraction: Aristophanes describes how people are drawn to others they believe could be their missing halves. This attraction and desire are central aspects of Eros. It's not just physical attraction but also a deep emotional and spiritual longing for connection.
- Pursuit of Unity: Eros, as presented by Aristophanes, is a force that compels people to seek unity and intimacy with another person. It is a profound yearning for a sense of oneness and completion that transcends physical attraction.
- Desire for Love and Relationships: Aristophanes' concept of Eros emphasizes the importance of love and relationships in human life. It suggests that the pursuit of love and companionship is a fundamental aspect of human existence, driven by the innate desire to find one's missing half.
Aristophanes' speech provides a mythological and imaginative perspective on Eros, emphasizing the idea that love is deeply rooted in the human condition as a search for unity and completeness. His narrative serves as one of several different interpretations of love presented in Plato's "Symposium," each contributing to the overall exploration of the nature of love.
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