Single Idea 9237

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

Full Idea

Relationships that are primarily romantic or sexual do not provide very authentic or illuminating paradigms of love. ...The love of parents for their small children comes closest to offering recognizably pure instances of love.

Gist of Idea

The paradigm case of pure love is not romantic, but that between parents and infants

Source

Harry G. Frankfurt (The Reasons of Love [2005], 2.4)

Book Reference

Frankfurt,Harry G.: 'The Reasons of Love' [Princeton 2006], p.43


A Reaction

Excellent. Though perhaps a relationships which began romantically might settle into something like the more 'pure' love that he has in mind. Such a relationship must, I trust, be possible between adults.