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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 Ref
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!).