I'm a very romantic person.

Hear the words of Esai Morales, who boldly declares, "I'm a very romantic person." In this simple statement, Morales reveals a truth that resonates deeply within the human spirit. To be a romantic is not simply to dwell in the realm of idealized love or passionate affection, but to see the world through a lens of depth, connection, and emotion. It is to embrace the fullness of life, to dream, to yearn, and to give oneself over to the sacred, untamed forces that drive the heart. The romantic is someone who, in their pursuit of beauty, sees love as a transformative power that shapes not only personal relationships but also the world itself. In Morales’ words, there is an invitation to live fully, with the heart open to both the joys and the sorrows that love brings.

In the ancient world, romanticism was not a mere fantasy, but a guiding force—one that permeated the stories, the myths, and the lives of the people. Consider Romeo and Juliet, the star-crossed lovers whose passion transcended family feuds, whose love was so intense that it became their defining trait. Their story, though tragic, reveals the essential nature of romance: it is not just about the happiness of the heart, but about the sacrifice, the devotion, and the unyielding commitment that love demands. The romantic vision, as seen in their tragic end, is about seeking authenticity, about loving with reckless abandon, and about embracing the imperfections and challenges that love brings.

To be romantic, then, is to see life not as a series of ordinary moments but as a journey full of meaning and purpose. Homer’s Odyssey offers another reflection of the romantic spirit. Odysseus, though a hero of war and conquest, is driven by a deep love for his wife, Penelope, and his home. His journey is not only one of physical adventure but of emotional growth and longing. The romantic hero, like Odysseus, is often on a quest—not for wealth or power, but for a deeper understanding of love, loyalty, and identity. Morales, in expressing his own romantic nature, is embracing this very spirit: the drive to explore the deepest connections of life, to love fiercely, and to live with a heart full of passion.

But romanticism is not limited to love in its conventional sense—it is a lens through which we view the world around us, finding beauty and meaning even in the simplest of moments. Consider the poet Pablo Neruda, whose love poems transcended mere affection to speak to universal themes of longing, beauty, and the divine. Neruda’s writing, though deeply personal, touches the hearts of all who read it because it speaks to the profound connection we all share with the world. To be a romantic is to see the world as a canvas of possibilities, where beauty, truth, and love are woven together to create a life of profound significance.

Morales’ declaration speaks to the universal yearning in all of us to find meaning and depth in our lives. We live in a world that often prizes practicality, efficiency, and logic, but the romantic sees beyond these to the emotional, the spiritual, and the transformative. To live romantically is to embrace the uncertainties of life, to take risks in the name of love, and to find joy in the intangible. The romantic understands that love, whether in the form of a friendship, a family bond, or a romantic relationship, is what gives life its meaning. Like Shakespeare’s immortal works, it is love that echoes through the ages, that connects one heart to another, and that transcends the barriers of time and place.

The lesson in Morales’ words is a call to embrace the romantic spirit in all aspects of life. Do not allow the practicalities of existence to cloud the beauty of human experience. Just as ancient heroes like Orpheus—who could charm even the gods with his music—sought to connect with the divine through love, so too should you seek to express your deepest emotions and longings in your own life. Whether in your relationships, your work, or your personal journey, allow romance to guide you—not in the idealized sense of fantasy, but as a force that drives you to connect, to feel, and to grow.

Take, then, this wisdom with you, O wise ones: live not just for the practical but for the emotional, the beautiful, and the transformative. Let your life be an expression of passion, devotion, and meaning. Whether through creative acts, deep relationships, or moments of quiet reflection, live as a romantic—seeking love and connection, not just in the great, dramatic gestures, but in the small, everyday acts that give life its true value. And remember, as Morales suggests, the romantic spirit is not confined to fantasy but is woven into the very fabric of existence, waiting for those who choose to live with heart and soul.