In On Love, Joseph Campbell invites us to explore love as a deep, transformative force that transcends simple affection or idealistic romance. Rooted in Campbell's exploration of mythology, philosophy, and personal experience, this volume reveals love as a dynamic journey that touches the spiritual, emotional, and existential aspects of being human. Love is a force that calls us to embrace life's struggles as opportunities to be remade again and again.
True love, Campbell suggests, moves beyond perfectionism or fleeting desires."?The perfect human being is uninteresting", he writes. "It is the imperfections of life that are lovable." Love, in this sense, is not an idealized fantasy, but something found in the messy, authentic moments of our shared humanity. It's through our flaws and vulnerabilities that love becomes real.
Campbell also explores love in its most universal form, evoking agape: a selfless, expansive love that calls us to embrace others, even our enemies. The practice of loving our enemies may be the noble choice, but it is also a path to spiritual awakening and personal transformation. This love transcends the ego, allowing us to see the divine in every person, regardless of their faults or differences.