Love is one of the most widely celebrated and controversial themes in human experience. It has inspired works of art throughout history and across cultures, influenced relationships and personal development, and been the subject of scientific, philosophical, psychological and literary analysis. When you’re writing about love, it’s important to focus on specific aspects of this complex topic that will help shape your argument and make it clear to the reader. A good essay on love includes a combination of personal reflection, anecdotes and analytical insight.
Many people define love in terms of feelings that come and go, or in relation to sexual desire. This can lead to a misguided sense of love that ends when those feelings fade, or when a relationship is no longer in line with your personal goals or growth. A better definition of love involves a commitment to values and standards such as empathy, respect, vulnerability, honesty and even forgiveness.
Some scientists argue that there’s a biological basis for love. Physiological studies show that when you fall in love, there’s a surge of hormones that affect your emotions and behaviors. Others point to a social and evolutionary context, arguing that the need for a stable bond helped our species survive and thrive.
The concept of love has also been shaped by philosophy, religion and the Enlightenment. Philosophers such as Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau embraced the idea of love as a tool for advancing society, promoting peace and encouraging individuality. Other philosophers, such as Alain de Botton and bell hooks, viewed love as something that could be harmful when used against society.
It’s possible to love multiple people at the same time, though the nature of your relationships might be very different. For example, you might be a parent or friend who loves someone who has destructive patterns of behavior, such as drug abuse and alcoholism. In these cases, your commitment to that person may be motivated by both a desire for them to change and a delight in them as a unique and beautiful creature.
You might write an essay about the way that your own values and beliefs shape how you view and understand love. It’s important to avoid cliched or stereotypical examples in this type of paper, but you can use personal anecdotes that are relevant and supportive of your argument. Be careful not to get too personal, however, as you’re writing for an academic audience and should aim to present your ideas in a clear and cohesive manner. It’s also a good idea to incorporate the ideas of influential thinkers on the topic to lend credibility and depth to your essay.
