Since the time of the ancient Greeks the question, ‘What is love?’ has been a mainstay of philosophy. Our word 'love' is rather general. It covers a great variety of feelings. The ancient Greeks considered it in three ways.

During this term we can take the opportunity to hear and study what some of the great teachers and writers from the past have had to say about love. This session considers a statement from Thomas à Kempis which describes the pure love, the agape. It emphasises the nature of love to overcome all obstacles and limits.

The idea that love is natural and constant. The natural ‘in-between' is to be found in many philosophical sources. One such source is a work called 'The Consolation of Philosophy' by Boethius.

When we say that we love someone, what is it about that person that we love? Is it just the physical body? Is it the way that person behaves or thinks or feels? Or is it all of these things together? Or is there something more? Do we ever love someone even if their actions are at times unlovable? Viktor Frankl says ‘salvation of man is through love’. Do we agree?

Conflict is a natural part of the world and it is helpful to see as clearly as possible what gives rise to it. Shri Shantananda Saraswati said that not only does love sustain everything in the world, but love is also the cause of hostility when it is in some way hindered.

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius begin with a long list of people to whom he expresses his gratitude. The expression of gratitude can have the effect of encouraging generosity and it can also help to maintain the flow of love.

The poetry of Rumi speaks a lot about God; by which universal love could be understood. Rumi was born in Afghanistan, then part of the Persian Empire, in 1207 and lived until 1273. He was one of the greatest Sufi mystics and he saw music, poetry and dance as a path for reaching the divine.

One question that arises in daily life is whether it is possible to retain love and happiness in the face of adversity and hardship. It is impossible to completely avoid difficulties in life, so how can we best respond to them without losing happiness and love? Epictetus gave an example that someone may put you in chains but they cannot force you to be miserable. Is that realistic?

Khalil Gibran: Work is love made visible.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn: The rule of the last inch.

“If you want to be loved, then love.“ Ficino

What happens when we demand or require love? What is our response when someone close to us is needy for love? Love and wise law.