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Goodbye Jesus

Amor Naturalis


Mystery

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Is love but a human instinct, an aspect that we are born with.. Just as sex is instinctive, the need for furthering the species?

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I think that what we call love - apart from the cultural constructions we've built around it - actually is a completely natural, physiological response to environmental circumstances; these might include sexual attraction, but can also include the feeling of security afforded by companionship.

 

I don't think love, as such, is the sole province of humans. I think all social animals are capable of experiencing an emotional response we would recognise as love - it seems to be part and parcel of the evolved mechanisms of social attachment. For example, my dog seemed to me to enjoy my companionship, and to feel safe and comfortable in my presence. He was certainly always - apparently, at any rate! - happy to see me when I came home from work. He saw me as someone who could provide for his needs. Would I say that he loved me? Absolutely.

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I think that what we call love - apart from the cultural constructions we've built around it - actually is a completely natural, physiological response to environmental circumstances; these might include sexual attraction, but can also include the feeling of security afforded by companionship.

 

I don't think love, as such, is the sole province of humans. I think all social animals are capable of experiencing an emotional response we would recognise as love - it seems to be part and parcel of the evolved mechanisms of social attachment. For example, my dog seemed to me to enjoy my companionship, and to feel safe and comfortable in my presence. He was certainly always - apparently, at any rate! - happy to see me when I came home from work. He saw me as someone who could provide for his needs. Would I say that he loved me? Absolutely.

 

Agreed, nowhere else have I seen the apparent ability to love in other beings, other than humans, than in dogs. Our two little dogs act as though the world revolves around us. Their warmth and compassion are not marred by material, social, economical, or sexual stimulus but maybe just the need to be loved in return.

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I think that what we call love - apart from the cultural constructions we've built around it - actually is a completely natural, physiological response to environmental circumstances; these might include sexual attraction, but can also include the feeling of security afforded by companionship.

 

I don't think love, as such, is the sole province of humans. I think all social animals are capable of experiencing an emotional response we would recognise as love - it seems to be part and parcel of the evolved mechanisms of social attachment. For example, my dog seemed to me to enjoy my companionship, and to feel safe and comfortable in my presence. He was certainly always - apparently, at any rate! - happy to see me when I came home from work. He saw me as someone who could provide for his needs. Would I say that he loved me? Absolutely.

 

Agreed, nowhere else have I seen the apparent ability to love in other beings, other than humans, than in dogs. Our two little dogs act as though the world revolves around us. Their warmth and compassion are not marred by material, social, economical, or sexual stimulus but maybe just the need to be loved in return.

 

 

What they exhibit is complete acceptance of us, with all our flaws, no matter how inadequate we may feel. And it's for these reasons - as well as their good humour and beauty - that we love them in our turn. I'll always miss my Bossie...

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