Single Idea 4848

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / g. Love]

Full Idea

Love is nothing else but pleasure accompanied by the idea of an external cause.

Gist of Idea

Love is nothing else but pleasure accompanied by the idea of an external cause

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], III Pr 13)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics, Improvement of Understanding, Letters', ed/tr. Elwes,R [Dover 1955], p.140


A Reaction

Not a definition to give us inspirational guidance! Sounds like grumpy old Hobbes. This is the 'love' of a heroin addict for a syringe. Personally I see love as having a rational aspect, which puts it 'under the aspect of eternity' (as Spinoza said!).