I just think Valentine's Day is a day to really appreciate the

Hear now, O seekers of wisdom, for today we reflect upon the words of Prince Royce, a voice of truth in an age rife with distractions. He speaks of the true meaning of Valentine’s Day, declaring, “I just think Valentine’s Day is a day to really appreciate the person you love, no matter who it is, and to spend time with them. I don’t think it’s all about fancy presents or whatever. I think it’s about spending that quality time with that special person.” His words ring with the simplicity and purity of the heart, and in them lies a profound teaching for all those who seek to understand the essence of love.

In the days of old, the greatest warriors and kings were known not for the treasures they hoarded, nor the riches they amassed, but for the time they gave to those who mattered most. It is not in the grand displays of wealth that the bonds of love are formed, but in the humble moments shared in quiet understanding. This is the wisdom that Royce imparts to us: love is not to be measured by extravagance, but by the depth of connection shared in the fleeting hours of life.

Valentine’s Day has long been a celebration of love—at least in name—but too often, the world around us distorts this celebration into something of materialism and performance. We are told that love is only love if it comes with gifts, with chocolates, roses, or a banquet fit for a king. Yet, the heart knows, in its quiet wisdom, that true love is neither bought nor sold. The greatest gift one can offer is not the sparkle of jewels, but the presence of oneself. Quality time, as Royce so rightly declares, is the truest expression of affection—and this is something that no sum of gold can replace.

Consider, if you will, the ancient stories of lovers such as Orpheus and Eurydice, whose bond was so profound that even in the depths of Hades, they were willing to risk all for a single moment together. It was not the riches they sought, nor the accolades of others, but the sacred time they could share in each other's company. The heart of their love was built not on tokens of affection, but on moments of pure connection. In the same way, when we give ourselves wholly to those we love, when we offer them not just our things but our time, we give the greatest of gifts.

And so, O people, the lesson is clear: love does not reside in the excessive and the grandiose, but in the simple and the meaningful. When we give our time—when we sit with those we cherish, listen deeply, and share in the moments of life together—we create memories that endure beyond the fleeting thrills of material gifts. The true riches of love are found in shared experiences, in the unspoken bonds that grow between two souls, rather than in the fleeting exchange of objects.

But let us not deceive ourselves. True love requires more than just time—it requires presence. It is not enough to simply be in the same room; we must be fully there, with heart and mind engaged. In the same way the great philosophers of old sat in quiet reflection, sharing their wisdom and their time with those around them, so too must we give ourselves fully to those we love. Let us put away the distractions, set aside the worries of the world, and truly be with one another.

Thus, O children of the future, let us take this wisdom to heart. As Prince Royce has shown us, love is not found in grand gestures, but in simple moments. Let us cherish the people we love, not with costly gifts or elaborate ceremonies, but with our time, our undivided attention, and our most sacred presence. The lesson to be learned is this: love is in the quality of the moments shared, not in their quantity or their fancy trappings. In this truth, we find the essence of true connection—a lesson that will carry us through all the seasons of our lives.