All You Need is Love

[srqrebel]

I hear ya.  When I hear people disparage the importance of love, I can only assume that they have never experienced it, or more likely have become so jaded that they can't recognize it when they see it.  The idea of life without love is utterly depressing to me.  This is why, while I'm nominally an atheist, the notion of hell as 'devoid of God's love' is far more disturbing to me than 'fire and brimstone.'  It's why the most disturbing thing I ever remember hearing on FTL was Ian's call to abandon your family if they are 'holding you back.' 

Actually, Ian's suggestion is way more in tune with the message of love than the opposite: "If your family is holding you back, submit to their wishes".

Attempting to impose one's own will upon a fellow human being against their wishes is not a characteristic of love -- rather, it is an act of extreme selfishness.  Those who truly love you will respect your decisions regarding your own life, even support you, in spite of disagreements.

I come from a family which, like many others, does lip service to love while pressuring any 'black sheep' family member to conform.  As a freedom-loving atheist, I was forced by my "loving" family to choose between submitting to their collective will or following my heart.  I chose the latter in spite of the immediate social repercussions -- and have now come to view my fellow freedom-lovers as my true (and genuinely loving!) family.

[EJinCT]

I hear ya.  When I hear people disparage the importance of love, I can only assume that they have never experienced it, or more likely have become so jaded that they can't recognize it when they see it.  The idea of life without love is utterly depressing to me.  This is why, while I'm nominally an atheist, the notion of hell as 'devoid of God's love' is far more disturbing to me than 'fire and brimstone.'  It's why the most disturbing thing I ever remember hearing on FTL was Ian's call to abandon your family if they are 'holding you back.' 

Actually, Ian's suggestion is way more in tune with the message of love than the opposite: "If your family is holding you back, submit to their wishes".

Attempting to impose one's own will upon a fellow human being against their wishes is not a characteristic of love -- rather, it is an act of extreme selfishness.  Those who truly love you will respect your decisions regarding your own life, even support you, in spite of disagreements.

I come from a family which, like many others, does lip service to love while while pressuring any 'black sheep' family member to conform.  As an freedom-loving atheist, I was forced by my "loving" family to choose between submitting to their collective will or following my heart.  I chose the latter in spite of the immediate social repercussions -- and have now come to view my fellow freedom-lovers as my true (and genuinely loving!) family.

Well stated and I fully agree.

Sign me up for the ineloquent club. 

[alphaniner]

Those who truly love you will respect your decisions regarding your own life, even support you, in spite of disagreements.

I couldn't have put it better myself.

I come from a family which...

The family you are born into is one thing.  I got the impression that Ian's admonition was also inclusive of the family you have created -  ie. spouse and children - and not just referring to social pressures, but financial concerns and other responsibilities. 

[David]

Kola.  You did the right thing.  If Lloyd has something to contribute lighthearted, I would love to see. 

[Sheep Fuzzy Wool]

Kola,

Thanks for posting this thread, beginning with, "All you need is Love."

It is extremely valuable to bring the idea of love under scrutiny.
It (love) is all we need and with the correct perspective on it, will bring about a collective cooperation with it (love) as it's basis.

If we are confusing attachments with love, this concept will miss it's mark.

Your bringing up this subject allows us on this board to properly understand love.

[Lloyd Danforth]

Kola.  You did the right thing.  If Lloyd has something to contribute lighthearted, I would love to see. 

I'll work on it

[kola]

Law of attraction,

My intention was not to start a discussion. I only posted the song because I thought it would be a nice break for all the commotion.

Instead I received some startling replies which took me by surprise. I had assumed people who had such a passion for liberty would also have a high value on the importance of love. I have now come to the conclusion that people are people, no matter where you go. 

No biggie tho' as I always find it interesting to see what others think. I am an old fashioned observationist. I like taking the pulse of peoples thoughts in regards to certain things.

Remember that video where the guy hits the streest and holds up the sign saying "free hugs?" Some people were offended by it and they thought he was a nutbag. And others smiled and hugged him without a thought.

I have found that many people who shun from the topic of love need it the most. And some have never experienced it. 

Kola     

[EJinCT]

I had assumed people who had such a passion for liberty would also have a high value on the importance of love. I have now come to the conclusion that people are people, no matter where you go. 

How could you not expect differing views from such a diverse group?   

I wouldn't fret too much if I were you though, not everyone needs to be loved. I do realize that may be hard for some to relate to, but, IME, when one lives for an extended amount of time w/o reciprocated "love", one learns how to live w/o it.

It wasn't my intent to rain on your parade, just share my view. 

[srqrebel]

I wouldn't fret too much if I were you though, not everyone needs to be loved. I do realize that may be hard for some to relate to, but, IME, when one lives for an extended amount of time w/o reciprocated "love", one learns how to live w/o it.

Speaking as someone who likewise has lived for an extended amount of time without reciprocated love, I can attest to the fact that one can indeed survive love deprivation.

Where I take exception is the statement that not everyone needs to be loved.  To me, it is like saying that not everyone needs nutrition, and offer as evidence the fact that one has lived for an extended amount of time while being malnourished, and become accustomed to living that way.

P.S. - Thank you, Kola, for posting this timely and important topic.

[EJinCT]

I'm confused, first you state:

...I can attest to the fact that one can indeed survive love deprivation.

And then:

Where I take exception is the statement that not everyone needs to be loved. 

These statements seem to contradict each other.

To me, it is like saying that not everyone needs nutrition, and offer as evidence the fact that one has lived for an extended amount of time while being malnourished, and become accustomed to living that way.

If one is able to survive w/o it, how then can it be needed? Even being malnourished means one is getting at least some nourishment (which I have also experienced.), living w/o reciprocated love would then equate, IMO, to receiving no nourishment.

[srqrebel]

I suppose the misunderstanding is in the definition of the word "need".  As I see it, survival is simply the most basic human need, but the human being has a wide range of valid needs, as illustrated by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy

[grasshopper]

   John Lennon, great last name for a socialist.
   Imagine theres no borders!    Yup, John Lennon, "bring it all down man"!
   Great idea, but the people that will fill the vacuume will be worse than the last ones.
   How about the WHO, "meet the old boss, same as the old boss".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3mi-bKtDGA
   

[EJinCT]

I suppose the misunderstanding is in the definition of the word "need".  As I see it, survival is simply the most basic human need

Demn semantics!   

[lildog]

I can live w/o love, can't say the same for sustenance and shelter.

Is a life without love truly living though?

[EJinCT]

I can live w/o love, can't say the same for sustenance and shelter.

Is a life without love truly living though?

Pffft! More semantics.


Guess I will find out.