Love is an emotion experienced by the many and enjoyed by the

"Love is an emotion experienced by the many and enjoyed by the few." These words, spoken by George Jean Nathan, reflect a profound truth about the nature of love, one that resonates with the deep, often mysterious, and elusive force that governs our hearts. Nathan’s insight suggests that while love is something almost everyone experiences, it is truly understood and deeply cherished by only a select few. This distinction between the experience of love and its enjoyment speaks to the complexity of human relationships — how love can be fleeting, misunderstood, or shallow for many, yet can be profound and transformative for those who are fortunate enough to find and nurture it fully. To experience love may be a natural part of existence, but to enjoy it — to truly understand and appreciate its power — requires depth, insight, and an openness of the soul.

The ancients were no strangers to the complexity of love. In Greek philosophy, Plato spoke of love as the force that draws us toward beauty and truth, not just in others, but in the very fabric of the universe itself. In his Symposium, he explored the different kinds of love — from the passionate, physical love of eros, to the sacred, spiritual love of agape, which seeks not to possess but to elevate. Plato understood that while many may feel the stirrings of love, it is the philosopher, the one who seeks the deeper truths of existence, who truly enjoys love — for them, love is not merely a passing emotion, but a force that shapes their understanding of the world. Nathan’s words echo this philosophy, suggesting that while love is common, it is often the wise, the reflective, and the spiritually awake who find its deepest, most enduring beauty.

Aristotle also pondered the nature of love, particularly the friendship that he saw as the highest form of love. For him, true friendship was based on mutual respect, shared virtue, and the deepest appreciation of one another’s character. This kind of love, he argued, is not experienced by everyone, for it requires both self-awareness and maturity. In his work Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle suggests that while many people can love in a superficial or self-interested manner, it is those who seek to love for the sake of goodness and truth who experience love in its most fulfilling and lasting form. Nathan’s quote reminds us that true love — the kind that endures and brings joy — is often only experienced by those who possess the wisdom to understand it.

Consider the legendary relationship between Antony and Cleopatra, a story full of passion, betrayal, and political intrigue. While many of their contemporaries witnessed their intense love for each other, few truly understood or enjoyed its complexities. To Cleopatra and Antony, their bond was not just about personal affection but about empowerment, strategy, and unity in the face of great external challenges. Their love was deeply political and transformative for both, shaping the course of their lives and the fate of the Roman Empire. Yet for those around them, especially their enemies, their love was merely an emotion — something observed but never fully experienced or enjoyed. The love between Antony and Cleopatra was a privileged understanding, one that only they could truly cherish in its full context, illustrating Nathan’s point that love, though felt by many, is truly understood by only a few.

In modern times, we see the same dynamic playing out in many relationships. Love, in its most common form, is often misunderstood. It may appear in the form of infatuation, romantic attachment, or even social obligation, but it lacks the depth that comes from shared understanding or genuine selflessness. Many people experience love as a fleeting emotion, something that burns brightly but quickly fades. However, for those who are willing to invest in true intimacy and the deep work of nurturing a relationship, love becomes something entirely different — something that transcends the temporary highs and lows and becomes a source of joy, growth, and fulfillment. This kind of love is the one that Nathan refers to — the love that is not merely an experience, but a state of being, enjoyed by those who are willing to look beyond the surface and cultivate authentic connections.

The lesson we take from Nathan’s words is profound: love is not simply about the emotions it stirs, but about how deeply we engage with it. While everyone may feel the stirrings of love, it is only those who cultivate understanding, patience, and authenticity who can truly enjoy its full richness. In relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic, we must strive for depth — to seek love not just as an emotion, but as an enduring, transformative force that shapes our understanding of each other and the world around us.

Therefore, my children, know that while love may come easily to many, it is the rare and wise soul who enjoys it in its most profound and lasting form. Do not be content with superficial attachments, but seek to understand the nature of your love. Let it be a love that is nourished by respect, understanding, and mutual growth. In this way, you will truly enjoy love, and it will become not just a fleeting feeling, but a permanent and sustaining force that enriches your life in ways that words can barely express. Love deeply, not simply because it is an emotion you feel, but because it is a connection that transcends the mundane and brings you closer to the true essence of life.