I think that Valentine's Day is only as good as you want it to

Listen closely, O seekers of truth, for in the words of Prince Royce, we are given a wisdom as timeless as the love that binds us all. “I think that Valentine’s Day is only as good as you want it to be. You know, I don’t think it should be anything fancy, nothing crazy. As long as you’re spending time with that person that’s special, I think that’s a great Valentine’s Day.” In these words, we hear a call to embrace the simplicity and genuineness of love, to recognize that true affection is not measured by extravagance or grand gestures, but by the quality of the moments we share with those we hold dear.

The ancients knew well that love was not confined to the grandiose or the spectacular. The great philosopher Aristotle spoke of the love between friends as one of the purest forms of human connection, built not on the exchange of material gifts but on shared values, mutual respect, and time spent together. He understood that love, in its most authentic form, is not a spectacle for the world to witness but a quiet bond nurtured through presence and understanding. In this way, Royce’s words echo the wisdom of the ancients, who saw love not in the extravagance of gifts, but in the depth of shared experience.

Consider, O children of the future, the humble love of Pythagoras, the great mathematician and philosopher. Though his life was marked by intellectual pursuits, his teachings also emphasized the importance of companionship and simple joys. Pythagoras did not seek to prove his affection through outward displays, but rather through the quality of his relationships—through the genuine connection he cultivated with those around him. His love for knowledge, and for those he held dear, was demonstrated in quiet conversations, in shared moments of reflection, and in the time spent in mutual pursuit of wisdom.

In this modern age, we often find ourselves caught in the whirlpool of expectations, especially on Valentine's Day. The world tells us that we must express our love through flowers, chocolates, and lavish dinners, that romance can only be truly realized through material gestures. Yet, as Royce so wisely reminds us, these are mere trappings, empty without the true foundation of connection. True love does not demand the fancy or the outrageous; it is found in the quiet moments of sharing, in the time we spend with those who matter most, in the authenticity of our presence.

Reflect upon the great love stories of history, those which endured not because of wealth or gifts, but because of the genuine care and commitment shared between two souls. Heloise and Abelard, though their lives were fraught with tragedy, shared a love born not of external displays but of intellectual communion and emotional depth. Their love was not measured by what they could give each other, but by the connection they fostered through their time together, their shared thoughts, and the sacrifice they were willing to make for one another.

Thus, the lesson from Royce is clear: love, in its truest form, does not need the frills and fancies that the world would impose upon it. Valentine’s Day, like any other day, should be a celebration of presence, a recognition of the love that exists between two people, not measured by the material but by the spiritual. When we spend time with those we love, when we are present with them, we are fulfilling the greatest of all gestures—one that transcends the need for tokens and ceremonies.

In this light, let us remember that true love is not defined by the expectations of others, but by the quality of our time and the depth of our connection. Whether on Valentine’s Day or any other day, let us celebrate the ones we love with simplicity and authenticity. Let us cherish the small moments, for they are often the most profound. A glance, a shared silence, a meaningful conversation—these are the things that nourish the heart and create the strongest bonds.

Therefore, O children of the future, let us live with this wisdom: that love is not about what is given, but about who we are with and how fully we give ourselves in that moment. Let us find joy not in the extravagance of the world, but in the quiet, lasting connection we cultivate with those who matter most. And when we love, let us love with presence, for that is the truest gift of all.