Any time not spent on love is wasted.

"Any time not spent on love is wasted." These timeless words by the poet Torquato Tasso cut to the very heart of human existence. In this brief yet profound statement, Tasso reminds us that the essence of life is found not in the accumulation of wealth, achievements, or fleeting pleasures, but in love—the deepest, most transformative force that binds us all. The moments we live are precious, and those moments not spent in the spirit of love, whether for another person, for a cause, or for the beauty of life itself, are moments that slip away, leaving us poorer than we were before. To live is to love, and to love is to truly experience the depth and meaning of life.

In the ancient world, love was seen as the highest form of expression—the force that transcended all others. The philosopher Plato, in his Symposium, spoke of Eros not as a mere desire, but as a divine force that connected us to the highest truths and the most profound beauty. To love, in this sense, is not simply to feel affection but to elevate oneself to the divine, to see beyond the surface of existence and understand the deeper connections that unite us all. Plato’s idea of love goes beyond the personal—it is a way of seeing the world, a lens through which we understand not only others but the very essence of being. For the ancients, love was the greatest purpose, the guiding light that led us through the labyrinth of life. Tasso’s words resonate deeply with this ancient understanding: without love, we waste our time on things that will ultimately pass away.

Take, for example, the life of Alexander the Great, whose conquests and ambitions are legendary. Yet, despite his great power and the kingdoms he built, his most profound moments were not marked by military victories but by the love he felt for his people and his closest companions. His love for Aristotle, who mentored him in philosophy, shaped his view of the world. His deep affection for Hephaestion, his closest companion and confidant, was a love that transcended friendship and became something sacred. Alexander’s legacy was not only that of a conqueror but that of a man who understood that true greatness lies not in domination, but in the love that inspires loyalty, respect, and connection. In the end, it was love—not war—that defined his life’s greatest meaning. Alexander spent his time not merely on the expansion of an empire, but on the cultivation of relationships that would elevate him beyond the battlefield.

Similarly, the story of Romeo and Juliet illustrates the profound truth in Tasso’s quote. Their love, though brief and tragic, consumed every moment they shared. In their eyes, the world outside their love seemed distant and irrelevant—time not spent on love, for them, was a wasted time. The passion and devotion they felt for one another made their fleeting lives seem infinite, for in love, they found the purpose and the meaning of their existence. Though their love led to their untimely deaths, it was a love that transcended the mundane worries of the world. In this intense devotion, their lives were fuller, richer, and more meaningful than many who lived longer, but never loved with such depth. They exemplified Tasso's belief that love is not merely a part of life—it is life itself.

The lesson that Tasso imparts is a profound one: to love is to live. Time spent without love is time spent disconnected from the truest aspects of existence. It is a waste not because it lacks value in the world’s eyes, but because it lacks value in the heart’s eyes. To give yourself to someone or something with authenticity, to open your heart freely, is the most vital act one can engage in. In contrast, to live without love—without truly giving of yourself to others, to a cause, or to the beauty of the world—is to miss the deeper current of life that runs beneath everything. Love is what elevates us from mere survival to true living, where every moment becomes infused with purpose and meaning.

This wisdom is something we can apply in our own lives. Reflect on your daily actions and ask yourself: How much of your time is spent in the spirit of love? Do you devote yourself to the people you care about with the same intensity that the great figures of history have shown? Are you engaged in acts of kindness, service, and connection, or are you consumed with tasks that, while necessary, fail to nourish your soul? The true measure of your life will not be how many goals you have achieved or how much you have accumulated, but how deeply you have loved and how fully you have given of yourself to others.

In your own life, let love be your guide. Seek to cultivate relationships that matter—relationships that are rooted in truth, compassion, and understanding. Spend your time not just on the practicalities of existence but on the nourishment of the soul. Fill your moments with love, whether through words of kindness, actions of service, or simply being present with those you care about. The time you give to others in love is never wasted; it is the very essence of what it means to live fully. In the end, as Tasso suggests, love is what makes life worth living.