Love does not exist. Do you agree or disagree?

Question

I've come to the conclusion that Love does not exist, just like God does not exist. This statement does not come from bitterness or being heartbroken...Well actually I'm quite heartbroken about this realization. I think that we've been fooled. Love is just a fantasy that we chase and it only becomes real when it suits our image or our desires. We feel alone so we create the fantasy that there is something / someone out there that "completes" us.

What are your thoughts on this?

Excellent point Michael B.

I'm not speaking about "Romantic" love. I'm speaking about divine love.

Answer 1

I would say I had a response until you said one thing which truly hints at a revelation which cannot be dissuaded by ANYONE: you're heartbroken by the realization.
It was that truth, that personal truth which led me to believe after all my studies to prove otherwise that god did not exist. And as liberating as THAT is at times (as I hope your growth through realization will yield- those times) it is also disheartening to see the rest of humanity, as you say "fooled" indulging in a "fantasy" when I have moments of seeing the POWER OF THE IDEAL, THE POWER WHICH COULD be that makes me almost angry and bitter.
Don't know who said it, but if you're ever accused of being bitter, whip out the quote- one of my favorites, one I REALLY identify with:
"Scratch the surface of a cynic and you'll find an embittered idealist."
That is what I am- tired of seeing potential not actualized. As with the idea of love, surely you see upsides if IT COULD WORK right?
Wish I could offer more- though I truly do not pity those who HAVE epiphanies, I pity those who are never self enlightened.
If nothing else... own and take pride in that. And know that it will be sad sometimes- as the loss of anything is.

Answer 2

I believe in love, because I have it. I have had a lot of time without it so I know the difference and it's tangible. I have to wonder if you think 'hatred' exists. If there is love, there has to be it's opposite. You say this statement you've made does not come from bitterness or heartbreak, which would imply that you aknowledge the existance of bitterness and heartbreak...so why are the negative states so easy to accept, and the possitive a source of skepticism?

Answer 3

What a wonderful realization you will have when you find that all you have stated is false. And whats wrong with fantasy. For in it we find answers from within not without.

You need no one to complete you, for you stand alone as the completion of all that is and will be. Take a bow my friend for love does exist and all you need to do is recognize that it does...it is your reflection which tells you so.

Answer 4

When one goes about his or her life trapped within the shell of his physical body, he may not realize it ,but this is a very lonely existence. Therefore one reaches out to find another, with whom can be shared, intimately, the sensory events of this world.
One who realizes that this existence is only temporary and illusory, can overcome the need for this kind of relationship.
Then one can come to the understanding that there is a different kind of love, You can use different words, divine,cosmic, universal...whatever. But it is what is at the root of all creation and permeates all that is in existence. It is the individuals choice to live in harmony with it, or in discord.

Answer 5

It is an emotion that exists as much as anger or jealousy or happiness. It is a definable feeling of affection, approval and attachment. Feelings/emotions exist as long as we do.

Oh, and I found it for real, without any preconcieved notions or expectations of who it should be with. It is so real, fated even, we don't feel like we even had a choice in the matter, so thankfully we're both happy beyond description with each other ;-)

I have also found it in my children who I love and adore beyond what a younger me ever dreamed I was capable to understand and feel.

I'm with you on that God thing though.

Answer 6

I think that love cannot exist if God does not exist. In fact, there are other things such as morality, altruism, righteousness and compassion that do not exist if God does not exist. They are all fantasies that we chase because the thought makes us feel good.

Feelings, really just feel-good drugs for the brain, is our evolutionary heritage with no reality behind them.

But for me, all those things can be real because I think God is real.

Answer 7

I think the most important thing to ask yourself is "how do you define love?"

I define love as the willingness to sacrifice myself for someone else. This could be as simple as my schedule, or as extreme as my life. Within these parameters I love and sacrifice in different amounts.

You state that love is finding someone who "completes" you. What does that mean? What is that in tangible terms? Perhaps fantastical or silly love does not exist in your life- but perhaps in a more cerebral or action driven way.

No one can answer this question- we all have preconceived notions about what love is- it varies. Without knowing what you think it is- not what you have been told it should be- there's no way to prove it exists or doesn't.

Answer 8

You're right. It does not exist except as a choice. We are however, WHAT we love that is unique to each of us. God, as well, does not exist as a personification. God is simply the reality we are embedded in that is responsive to consciousness and our choices. We find what we seek and live by faith (experience what we believe to be true).

Know that you are seeking likemindedness and connectedness in another if you seek to share life's challenges and joys with someone.

Answer 9

Disagree. It's truly willing someone else to be happy, and it exists. I didn't think it did before, but I'm still an atheist. ;)
Also, on your note about 'romantic' and 'divine' love, there's only one kind of love, but people think several different types of superficial relationships are also love.

Answer 10

It depends on your own beliefs. I know love exists because I feel it myself. I know God exists because I exist. So, my own conclusion is that love and God both exist. If you have drawn another conclusion, then that's ok, just don't say your word is final. Everyone has a right to their own opinion, and I respect yours:)