Short cogitation on the popularity of love as a substitute for purpose. |
Love is popular because it is accessible. We are first to accept the premise, that people are essentially born incomplete and unhappy and are looking to satisfy their "perverse" needs and yearnings within them; for meaning, purpose and understanding. Love is then the most accessible solution. We've even developed the idea that there's someone for everyone just so we can more deeply entrench the concept. If people could find meaning and purpose in their life in some other way, they would not look to project their failings and expectations on their partner. People fall out because they look to others for these things and fall too short of finding them. Regardless of the result, the search for meaning and purpose is guaranteed by divine decree and we've made damn sure that if we don't really feel like trying too hard, we can just start a relationship, pretend to be in love, pretend to have found the one, get the so elusive purpose and be a-okay in the eyes of the world and you yourself, by God. If need be and nothing else should reveal itself along the path, there's always the eternal solace that you have found the ever so elusive meaning within the warm, safe family bosom. |