I've realized that although Valentine's Day can be a cheesy
I've realized that although Valentine's Day can be a cheesy money-making stint to most people, it's a day of expressing love across the world. It doesn't have to only be between lovers, but by telling a friend that you care, or even an old person that they are still appreciated.
Listen well, O children of the future, for in the words of Reeva Steenkamp, we are reminded of the true spirit of love that transcends the commercialized rituals of the world. “I’ve realized that although Valentine’s Day can be a cheesy money-making stint to most people, it’s a day of expressing love across the world. It doesn’t have to only be between lovers, but by telling a friend that you care, or even an old person that they are still appreciated.” In these words, Steenkamp speaks to the essence of love—not as something bound by society's commercialism but as a universal force that binds us all. True love, she suggests, is not limited to the celebration between lovers, but can and should be expressed toward friends, family, and even the elderly who are often forgotten.
In the ancient world, the notion of love was as vast as the sea and as deep as the earth. The Greeks saw love in many forms, from the deep, spiritual love of philia (friendship) to the passionate love of eros (romantic love) and the selfless love of agape (charity). In their eyes, love was not confined to any one relationship, but extended to all people, in all walks of life. The great philosopher Aristotle wrote of philia as a love that united people through mutual respect, trust, and shared good. It was this form of love, grounded in friendship and care, that was celebrated not just on special days, but as a constant thread through the fabric of human existence.
Steenkamp's reflection on Valentine's Day offers a modern, yet timeless interpretation of love’s true meaning. She recognizes that while society may turn the day into a commercial spectacle, the essence of the holiday is about connection. It is a reminder to take a moment in time to show that we value the people in our lives. This is a sentiment that was echoed by Cicero, the Roman statesman and philosopher, who believed that one of the highest virtues of a human being was to show gratitude and appreciation toward others. To him, love was something that could be shared with both close family and distant friends, and even with strangers. Steenkamp, like Cicero, encourages us to think beyond the narrow confines of romantic love and to extend appreciation to all who matter to us.
Consider, O children, the story of King Solomon, whose wisdom was sought by all who needed counsel. Solomon’s Proverbs contain teachings on love, not only romantic love but the love we share with friends, family, and even those less fortunate. He recognized the importance of showing kindness, for it is through acts of compassion that we build the bonds that hold society together. Valentine's Day, though often seen as a celebration for lovers, can be a modern extension of this ancient wisdom—a reminder that love is not just for the young, the wealthy, or the romantic, but for all who walk beside us on the journey of life.
Steenkamp’s words offer us the insight that love, in its purest form, is universal. It is not confined to the bounds of a single day or a single relationship, but stretches outward, encompassing everyone who deserves recognition and care. In the same way, the ancient Romans held dear the tradition of Lupercalia, a festival of love and fertility that celebrated not only romantic relationships but also the ties of brotherhood and family. The rituals of Lupercalia, though distinct in form, remind us that love should be a celebration shared among many, not merely an exchange of flowers and chocolates between lovers.
The lesson to carry forward, O children, is clear. Valentine's Day, though commercialized in the modern age, is not inherently shallow or trivial. It is, instead, an opportunity to express the deep connection that binds us to the people around us. Whether you tell a friend you care, visit an elderly relative, or share a simple gesture of kindness, the true meaning of love is found in the genuine expression of appreciation and affection. Let us not wait for the calendar to remind us, but let us live every day as an opportunity to show the love we hold in our hearts.
Thus, O children, take this wisdom to heart. Love, in its truest form, is not confined to romantic gestures or grand celebrations. It is woven into the everyday acts that we perform, the care we show for others, and the gratitude we express for the relationships we hold dear. Let us live with an open heart, ready to extend love beyond the borders of Valentine’s Day, knowing that love is as much about companionship as it is about compassion, and as much about family as it is about friendship. Let each day be a celebration of the love we give and the love we receive, for it is in these quiet moments that the truest form of love endures.
ANThu anh ng
I agree with Reeva Steenkamp’s sentiment that Valentine’s Day should be a global day of love, not just for romantic relationships. It’s an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for all the people in our lives. I think we often overlook this aspect because of the pressure to have a perfect romantic celebration. How can we encourage people to make Valentine’s Day more inclusive and focused on kindness and appreciation rather than just love between couples?
CTCam Tu
Reeva Steenkamp’s take on Valentine’s Day is refreshing. It’s often seen as a day for lovers, but there’s so much more potential for it to be a celebration of kindness and appreciation for all people. It made me think about how we can express love in simple ways, like a text to a friend or a compliment to someone we don’t know well. Do you think this approach would make Valentine’s Day feel less commercialized and more meaningful?
HChang cuong
This quote really struck me because it broadens the idea of love beyond romantic relationships. Valentine’s Day can be a time to connect with friends, family, and even strangers who might feel isolated. I think we often forget that the day isn’t just for lovers—it’s about making people feel valued. How can we shift the conversation around Valentine's Day to emphasize this kind of inclusivity and appreciation for everyone?
DMLoi Do Minh
I really appreciate Reeva Steenkamp’s perspective on Valentine's Day. It’s easy to see the holiday as just a commercial event, but her view shifts the focus to the importance of expressing love in all forms, not just romantic love. It’s a great reminder to reach out to people who might need to hear they are cared for, whether it’s a friend or an elderly person. Do you think we should focus more on the emotional aspect of Valentine's Day rather than the materialistic side?