CUPID’S RUBIK’S CUBE hen I sat with a close friend recently for an “intellectual conversation”, anyone listening would have concluded that Socrates himself couldn’t have thoughts that delve so deep. The discussion centred on how well we know ourselves and our best and worst attributes. I boasted that one of my best attributes must be my unlimited ability to love. To which my “fellow philosopher” replied “what is love?” And though in my mind and heart I know exactly what it is, putting into words was near impossible.
achievements and it has no cost. Ironically, all material things can very easily disappear and the only things that are irreplaceable in this life are the people that are around us. Why then measure the irreplaceable with replaceable things? Looks fade, money comes and goes, status and prestige are unpredictable. And when this happens a ‘loving one’ leaves claiming that this is not what they signed up for. That said, certain logical decisions have to be made, regardless of how deeply
me to say what love is. It happens spontaneously and doesn’t involve dishonesty. It is unconditional, nothing that anyone says can waver your emotion towards that particular person. It is steadfast, trusting, having an unwavering faith in someone and builds both people in the relationship. It involves mutual respect, protecting one another and is completely selfless. Perhaps most frightening of all is that it is a risk because you take what is most precious to you and hold it out to someone else in the hope that they will treasure it as much as you do.
“Looks fade, money comes and goes, I may not status and prestige are unpredict- have the insight The love able. And when this happens a ‘lov- of the greatest between lovers philosophers of all ing one’ leaves claiming that this is something time (yet), but of that has become is not what they signed up for....” this one thing I am so multifaceted that every individual has their own opinion about it. Areas that used to be black or white have now become grey areas. A woman thinks: “the man is financially stable, his looks are fair and he seems to have a bright future ahead of him.” She then positions herself next to the man claiming to love him. A man thinks: “she is beautiful, intelligent (not overwhelmingly so) and has a career that earns enough for her to contribute.” Society approves the match, and off they waltz down the aisle and declare their love for one another. Welcome to love in 2012. When did price tags become a pre-requisite for our hearts to experience an emotion that is supposed to be pure? Love is not an emotion that is based on
you love someone. When a penniless pastoral student wanted to marry a young girl, his father asked “What are you going to eat? Prayers?” I am not saying that people shouldn’t plan for a comfortable life but I think making material things a predictor about how you are going to feel about someone is a grave mistake. True love is not a premeditated emotion, it doesn’t include calculating, planning and scheming. If one schemes and gets the one they’re after, I can confidently say, that what they have found is definitely not love, and sooner or later the cracks begin to show.
sure…I know what love is. Putting it in words may be a challenge but I know love is real and tangible. When it comes my way, I will grab onto it with both hands and never let it go. If we could all do a little more of this, that in my philosophy would be good enough! - SHEILA LYNN SENKUBUGE
So, having said everything love isn’t, it’s much easier for
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