I enjoy celebrating Valentine's Day. It's a nice way to say

Hear, O children of the future, for in the words of Camila Alves, we are given a glimpse into the heart of true connection and the sacred bond that unites us. “I enjoy celebrating Valentine’s Day. It’s a nice way to say you’re thinking about your family, someone special, or dear friends.” In these simple words, Alves reminds us of the power of recognition, the joy that comes from showing those we care for that they are not forgotten. For in a world often filled with distractions, to take a moment, however small, to express our affection is a powerful act of love.

In the days of the ancients, love was not something kept secret or hoarded within the heart. Rome, with its grand feasts and festivals, celebrated love openly and without shame. The Lupercalia, a festival dedicated to the god of fertility and love, invited people to give and receive affection, not through gifts or grand gestures, but through the presence of heart and action. Love was meant to be shared—among lovers, yes, but also among family and friends. The bond between people was sacred, and any opportunity to express that bond was seen as worthy of celebration. In this way, Alves' reflection on Valentine's Day aligns with the wisdom of the ancients: love should be honored not just on rare occasions, but regularly, through acts that remind others they are valued.

Yet, in modern times, we often forget that love is not confined to romantic gestures alone. Valentine’s Day, though often associated with romantic love, is a day when we should remember that love flows in many forms. The love between friends, the devotion of a mother, or the affection shared within a family are all worthy of recognition. It is easy, in our busy lives, to overlook those around us, to take for granted the small but powerful gestures that create the fabric of our relationships. Alves, in her wisdom, calls upon us to pause for a moment, to make the effort to show that we care. This is not merely a celebration of romance but a reminder of all the connections that bring meaning to our lives.

Consider the great philosophers of old, who often spoke of love not as a singular force, but as a universal one that binds all of humanity. Aristotle, in his musings on friendship, spoke of philia, a love built on mutual respect and shared joy. He recognized that the strongest bonds are not always those of romantic nature but those formed in companionship and mutual understanding. This idea is found in Alves' reflection. To her, Valentine's Day is a day to remember not just lovers, but those dear to our hearts, whether they be family or friends, and to show them they are cherished.

In this light, let us look at the story of the Stoics, who, though they often spoke of self-sufficiency, also valued the love shared between friends and family. Seneca, a great Stoic philosopher, wrote of the bonds of friendship as being a key to living a fulfilled life. He taught that true wealth comes not from material possessions but from the strength of our relationships, from the ability to connect deeply with others. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, then, is not a frivolous act, but one of wisdom, recognizing that love, in all its forms, is the truest and most valuable treasure we can possess.

Thus, O children, the lesson from Alves is one of intentionality. Let us not wait for the world to tell us when to express our affection, but instead, let us take the opportunity to honor those we love whenever we can. A word, a gesture, or simply the act of being present can show those around us that they are seen, that they are valued, and that they hold a place in our hearts. For love, like a flame, must be nourished regularly; it is not enough to let it burn low and wait for special occasions to rekindle it.

The lesson is clear: love is not a commodity, but a force that connects us all. Let us honor this force, not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day. Let us use simple gestures to remind our loved ones that they are important, that we are thinking of them, and that we cherish the bonds we share. Valentine's Day may be a special occasion, but let it be a reminder to celebrate the love we have for those around us, not just in grand gestures, but in the small acts that build lasting, meaningful connections.