♥ The Nature of Love …
Eros, Philia, Agape,Storge,Pragma,Philautia,Care,Affection …
What is love ? Probably there is not a single answer to this question and this is why the Ancient Greeks had different words to describe love. Knowing them can change your life …
What is this Thing Called Love ?
Love has a “nature” that it cannot be described in rational or meaningful propositions.The Platonic theory of Eros is that ideal beauty, which is reflected in the particular images of beauty we find, becomes interchangeable across people and things, ideas, and art. To love is to love the Platonic form of beauty-not a particular individual, but the element they posses of true,Ideal beauty.
Philia is a fondness and appreciation of the other. For the Greeks, the term philia incorporated not just friendship, but also loyalties to family,society and broader communities.Philia could not flow from those who are quarrelsome,aggressive in manner and unjust.
Happy Valentine’s Day..
Agape is the love of altruism, of giving without asking anything in return, and of sacrificing oneself for one’s partner. Many would consider it to be the purest form of love.
Storge Love is friendship-based love. There is strong companionship,shared values and love-bonds of wider family members.It is often described as a natural or instinctive affection and similar to agape, it is unconditional,but does not have the self-sacrificing and altruistic aspects of agape.
” Is Love love of something,or of nothing … ?
Pragma is about standing in love and making an effort to give love, rather than receive it.It refers to practical or logical love in which someone searches for a partner with certain characteristics.
Philautia has two types,one is associated with narcissism,which is unhealthy and the other has to do with a wider capacity to love ; if you like yourself and feel secure in yourself, you will have plenty of love to give to others ~
Mania Love is known as the troubled love. This love has jealousy and dependence, great intensity, some intimacy, and many psychological symptoms related to the relationship.
What is this Thing that is Called Love ?
Love Means Different Things to Different People …
Love means different things to different people …
C.S. Lewis in his book ,”The Four Loves”,describes some other types of love such as :
“Divine Love”, “Gift-love” ,”Need-love” whereas a child seeks the comfort of a mother’s embrace,and “Appreciative-love.
Aristotle supported that “All friendly feelings for others are an extension of a man’s feelings for himself “.
” Is Love love of something,or of nothing … ?
What is this Thing Called Love ?
~ ~ ♥ I live to love and to be loved ♥ ~ ~
It’s Snowing outside … the Flames of Love are Rhythmically Dancing in the Fireplace …
The Flames of Love are Rhythmically Dancing in the Fireplace …
~ ♥ Happy Valentine’s Day my WP friends ~ & ~ Thanks Kindly for your comments & likes ♥ ~
Flames of Love & Snow
~♥ Eros ~ Philia ~ Agape ~ Storge ~ Pragma ~ Philautia ~ Give-Love ~ Need-Love ~ Appreciative-Love ~ Care ~ Affection … ♥ ~
My Space in the Immense Universe 
Beautiful! Love your photos and words!
Peace,
Mary
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By: Walking My Path: Mindful Wanderings in Nature on 19/12/2015
at 21:02
Thanks kindly for appreciating it and for calling in,dear Mary!Peace to you as well 🙂 Doda
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By: DG MARYOGA on 20/12/2015
at 01:34
Beautiful
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By: thelonelyauthorblog on 19/12/2015
at 01:46
Beautiful like your own posts and your poems?Then,I have to thank you from my heart 🙂 ❤
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By: DG MARYOGA on 19/12/2015
at 01:57
Thanks. Have a great weekend.
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By: thelonelyauthorblog on 19/12/2015
at 01:58
The same to you Lonely Author 🙂
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By: DG MARYOGA on 19/12/2015
at 02:16
Thanks. And it is Andrew. That name originated in Greece, didn’t it?
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By: thelonelyauthorblog on 19/12/2015
at 02:18
Absolutely dear Andrew!And what a lovely and meaningful name! Andreas = ανδρειος = manly & courageous !
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By: DG MARYOGA on 19/12/2015
at 02:25
I have always loved my name. Thanks so much for telling me its meaning. I appreciate it.
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By: thelonelyauthorblog on 19/12/2015
at 02:26
kalimera! 🙂 ah, l’amour… toujours l’amour… 🙂
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By: Mélanie on 04/03/2015
at 13:07
Kalimera Melanie ! You have my love 🙂 ❤
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By: DG MARYOGA on 05/03/2015
at 04:51
So many variations upon the theme of Love Doda.. And I so enjoyed reading your thoughts on them all..
LOVE to you my friend.. and I hope life is good for you.. Hugs Sue xxx ❤ and that you enjoyed a wonderful St Valentines Day x
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By: Sue Dreamwalker on 22/02/2015
at 17:10
Can’t thank you enough Sue Dear!I’m really glad you liked my Love post and for all your kind thoughts you left and your heartfelt wishes!Sending you Agape,Philia & a Huge Hug 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 25/02/2015
at 12:03
that is colourful and nice 🙂
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By: joshi daniel on 18/02/2015
at 10:03
Thank you so much Joshi for your approving comment 🙂
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By: DG MARYOGA on 20/02/2015
at 18:17
Beautiful words and images…. sometimes I use the word “love” without really thinking about its meaning… I enjoyed the post.
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By: RMW on 17/02/2015
at 21:24
Can’t thank you enough Roslyn Dear! Love your short,but so pithy comment!
Indeed,We have to go very deep in some words that hide real treasures … Take care 🙂 xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 20/02/2015
at 18:15
Dear Doda,
This is a very beautiful and loving post. Thank you very much, Valentines Day should be every day of the year! Have a beautiful day! ♡💝🌹
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By: kathyclem on 17/02/2015
at 10:27
Why thank you Kathy Dear !!!
Your laconic but pithy comment shows the real essence of any kind of love … When it comes it should stay for ever …
Happy Tuesday my sweet friend : ❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/02/2015
at 16:16
What a beautiful post about love, Doda, teaching us that love is wonderful and complex at the same time…I hope you had a fabulous Valentine’s Day, my friend, and wishing you much love in this new week that is upon us…♥ xo
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By: lscotthoughts on 17/02/2015
at 00:35
Yes,love is wonderful and complex and I have seen all its faces in your poetry … Thank you dear Lauren for coming by,hope you had an enjoyable Valentine’s Day with your loved ones ; mine was just sweet and quiet with my Valentine and family.Sending love & Philia your way ~ Have a splenid new week 🙂 ❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/02/2015
at 02:02
what a beautiful post Doda!! I “love” it!! Much love to you!!
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By: the dune mouse on 15/02/2015
at 05:04
Thank you Cybele ! My deepest Love to you 🙂 x
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By: DG MARYOGA on 15/02/2015
at 18:51
Doda, Love has many types, as you help us realize here! I like love that is received, given freely, and reciprocated ❤ Thank you for the beautiful words, and I wish you a wonderful Valentine's Day! 🙂
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By: Christy Birmingham on 14/02/2015
at 18:52
Especially given,”Gift-love”,Christy Dear ! That’s the Grandeur,the Apotheosis of Love … Your visit to my place and your comment did honour me! I always respect and appreciate a writer’s or poet’s attitude!Have a wonderful Valentine Day!
Sending Love & Plilia=Frienship your way 🙂 ❤
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 19:08
Doda, thanks for writing this description of love and how is related to Greek terms, I was waiting to read and understand these concepts about love and you have done it in this post! On top of that, your images are always mesmerizing, with “What is This Thing Called Love?” a true masterpiece, seeing how you ‘globalized’ everything in that image. Always enjoying your writing and art- Maria
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By: Maria F. on 14/02/2015
at 18:45
Why thank you Maria Dear! You did delve into the heart of my post,you didn’t stay on the surface of this four letter word … Your analytical comment and your deeper thoughts on the concept,deeply touched me my friend ~ My Symposium post is directly connected with the Love post in here.If you go back to ancient Greek poetry (eg.Sappho’s poems) and philosophy and Eros the symbol of love,you’ll see how all these timeless words were born … Nowadays,the celebration is globalised,it connects people and brings them together,but it is over-commercialised …
Anyway,I’m also delighted you liked my collages and the photos ~
Hope you have a peaceful and creative weekend ! Sending Love & Philia=Friendship your way from this end 🙂 ❤
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 19:55
Dear Doda, this is a beautiful post. One in which your love shines through! Here’s wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s Day filled with love–whether it’s with people or chocolate! 😆 Remember, love makes the world go ’round! Many hugs, my friend. 😀 ❤ ❤ ❤
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By: Linda Arthur Tejera on 14/02/2015
at 18:42
People,Chocolate & Flowers,Linda Dear ! I just love all of them!
Thank you sweetie for your warm visit to my place and your wishes!Hope you have a splendid Valentine Day with whatever you love more 🙂 Sending Love & Philia=Friendship your way ❤ ❤ ❤
PS: It does make the world go round …otherwise you wouldn’t be here reading my humble post 🙂 xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 18:58
[…] is one of Doda’s beautiful Valentine photos. To see more photos and read her “The Nature of Love” click the […]
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By: Weekly Photo Challenge: Symmetry | The World Is a Book... on 14/02/2015
at 16:09
Amy Dear … I’m wiping a tear now … You’re so kind and generous … You know how to make people happy ! All my Love to You & a Huge Hug with affection 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 17:33
Lovely and interesting post dear Doda. I think most forms of love are wonderful and not only the romantic one. And I agree with Aristotle.
Do people in Greece celebrate Valentine`s Day?
Wishing you much love all year long. ❤ ❤ ❤ 🙂
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By: Aditix on 14/02/2015
at 15:03
Thank you my lovely friend Adix ! Overjoyed you appreciated the “Love” post and for seeing yourself in the Aristotle quote!Love has so many beautiful faces and aspects,an one four letter word is not enough to express its priceless value …
Actually,St Valentine’s Day is a foreign-brought celebration,a globalised and commercialised celebration,but Ancient Greeks celebrated Love in a differnet way,go back to Sappho and Plato’s Symposium and Eros the symbol of love and you will find the connections … For some Orthodox Greeks who prefer a religious day to celebrate Love,we have one on the 3rd of July, the name day of Saint Hyacinth ( Hyacinth is a flower as well) and also one on the 13th of Feb, the name day of Saint Akyllas and Priskilla. who protect Orthodox couples and lovers.
Sending Love & Philia=Friendship your way! Have a beautiful Valentine Day & a wonderful weekend 🙂 ❤ xxx ~ ~ Happy All Hearts’ Day 🙂
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 18:49
Saint Akyllas and Priskilla day sounds lovely. And of course, who haven`t heard of Eros… ❤ Thank you for this interesting information dear Doda.
It sounds like Greece is a romantic country and it`s no wonder – with all those breathtaking landscapes all around.
Love and Philia and hugs to you
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By: Aditix on 16/02/2015
at 16:50
Glad you appreciated the info!Actually,your question was very interesting and it gave me the chance to mention that it is a foreign-brought celebration.Love & Philia back to you my sweet friend 🙂 ❤ xoxoxox
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/02/2015
at 04:49
What a nice post with lots of beautiful photos as always,
I wish you a happy Valentine’s Day and a happy weekend, dear Doda.
Happy that you are back.
XOXO Julia ❤
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By: julia streetstyle on 14/02/2015
at 11:59
Thank you my sweet Julia!Hope you have a wonderful Valentine day too!Fondest wishes 🙂 ❤ xoxox
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 12:41
What a lovely post, Doda! Love definitely has different meanings and comes to us in different ways, but all meanings and ways point back to the Creator who is Love, Himself! Happy Valentine’s Day, dear Doda! Much love and huge hugs, N ❤ ❤ ❤
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By: nataliescarberry on 14/02/2015
at 03:45
God is Love and Love is God …
Divine your comment dear Natalie,I absolutely agree with you and I consider it part of my post !!! Thanks kindly my friend ! Have a wonderful Valentine Day ~ Much Love and huge hugs back to you 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 05:00
I’m so glad you appreciated the different love~words ! Each one with so many extensions … Thanks kindly for your approving comment dear Hien!
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day my friend 🙂 xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 00:02
Dear Doda, I love your nature of love post, so beautifully expressed using Ancient Greek words that describe love. Happy Valentine’s day to you ❤ ❤ ❤
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By: Amy on 13/02/2015
at 23:19
Amy sweetheart,great the joy you give me to know you enjoyed what I shared with you!It’s only a tiny,four letter word,but with so much power and incredible extensions ~ Hope you have a wonderful Valentine Day my lovely friend:) Sending Love and kisses your way 🙂 <3<3<3 ⭐
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 00:58
Beautiful way to spread love, Doda, my dear friend. I would like to make a link to my WPC post tomorrow to share with my readers. Happy Valentine Day! 🙂 ❤
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By: Amy on 14/02/2015
at 03:06
Thanks a million times over my dearest Amy!There is so much niceness and kindness coming from you.If you think they would like to see it,there is no problem,you can do it,I feel a bit embarrassed … Happy Valentine’s Day my lovely Amy 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 04:50
Why would you feel embarrassed? It’s a great post with unique stories. The whole idea of blogging is sharing. 🙂 Love you Flickr photos. ❤ ❤ ❤
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By: Amy on 14/02/2015
at 04:53
I love yours too !Hope you read my comments,I read yours each time they arrive 🙂 Cheers ❤ 🙂 ⭐ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 09:49
I read you comment, and read more than once. Your words mean a lot to me. I treasure them very much… I minimized my responses to avoid the dup words from me. Send my love, dearest Doda. ❤ ❤ ❤ xxx
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By: Amy on 14/02/2015
at 15:45
They are written from the heart … and you know that ~ I feel overjoyed you appreciate them,I can sense it … This is what motivates me and I express myself freely 🙂 ❤
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 17:28
I do… Admittedly, I read with tears in my eyes. Often, I feel I’m hearing you… ❤ ❤ ❤
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By: Amy on 14/02/2015
at 17:31
Me too … we are on the same wavelenght,we share the same values 🙂 ❤
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 17:40
I sincerely believe that your beautiful thoughts are traveling through the wavelength via your elegant posts, that have taught me to appreciate these values. ❤
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By: Amy on 14/02/2015
at 17:53
Dearest Doda, this was such a lovely and thoughtful discussion, with awesome photos and colors, all about the flame of life. Thanks so much, my dear friend, for spreading your love all around the world…I feel real lucky to be a recipient. Blessings to you~~ 😀 ♥
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By: Jet Eliot on 13/02/2015
at 23:18
Jet Dear,can’t thank you enough for your pithy comment and your enthusiasm!Delighted you enjoyed the colourful collages and for being so eager to receive the concept of love ~ Ever thankful and appreciative ! Have a brilliant weekend 🙂 ♥ ⭐
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 00:40
Lovely, poetic writing and such lovely warm and artful photos/illustrations. So wonderful to have so many words for love, for the different kinds of love. And we feel it all with one heart! Have a wonderful Valentine’s day full of love dear Doda. xo Johanna
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By: colorpencil2014 on 13/02/2015
at 23:16
Why thank you,Johanna Dear for your upbeat comment and your nice words!How wonderfuly you put it when you said that we feel so many words with one heart!Isn’t it magnificent ? Happy Valentine Day Johanna ! Love and kind thoughts your way 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤ xxx ⭐
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 00:27
So many meanings for love. Great post! Happy Valentine Day, Doda!
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By: neihtn2012 on 13/02/2015
at 22:30
I’m so glad you appreciated it dear Hien!Yes,so many love~words and with so many extensions.Thank you 🙂 Have a wonderful Valentine’s day my friend 🙂 xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 14/02/2015
at 00:09