Full Idea
To love is to be disposed to take pleasure in the perfection, well-being or happiness of the object of one's love.
Gist of Idea
Love is pleasure in the perfection, well-being or happiness of its object
Source
Gottfried Leibniz (New Essays on Human Understanding [1704], 2.20)
Book Reference
Leibniz,Gottfried: 'New Essays on Human Understanding', ed/tr. Remnant/Bennett [CUP 1996], p.163
A Reaction
I suppose so, though one might love a pathetic little plant that hangs on in the corner of the garden, just for its fighting qualities. He goes on to deny that we can truly love something that is incapable of happiness. Hm.