Love is an energy which exists of itself. It is its own value.

"Love is an energy which exists of itself. It is its own value." These profound words by Thornton Wilder invite us to reflect on the very nature of love. Love, as Wilder sees it, is not something dependent on external factors or conditions. It is a force, an energy that exists independently, a vital and self-sustaining power that does not require validation, possession, or material reward. Love, in its purest form, is not measured by the things it creates or the achievements it brings. It simply is, existing in its own right, with a value that transcends the practical, the tangible, and the measurable.

In the ancient world, philosophers and poets often spoke of love as something that connects the divine to the mortal. The Greeks believed that Eros, the god of love, was both an impulse that bound the universe together and an independent force of creation. In Plato's Symposium, love is presented as a pursuit of truth and beauty, a divine madness that propels the soul towards higher states of understanding and divine union. Plato viewed love not just as a means to an end, but as a force that, when experienced, makes us whole. In this light, love, like Wilder suggests, has its own inherent value—it is not just the means to an end but a purpose in itself. It exists for its own sake, elevating the soul without needing external justification.

Consider the story of Dante and Beatrice, whose love is often seen as an idealization of divine love. For Dante, Beatrice was not merely a woman to be loved, but the embodiment of virtue, of beauty, and of a higher truth. His love for her was spiritual, and even after her death, it propelled him on a journey through the Divine Comedy, where his love for her led him to greater understanding of heavenly realms. Beatrice was not just an object of affection, but a spiritual force that guided him toward the divine, showing how love can exist independently of circumstances and still hold profound value. For Dante, love had its own inherent worth, a force that transcended mere human longing, an energy that shaped his understanding of the universe itself.

Similarly, Mother Teresa's love for the impoverished and suffering was an expression of this self-sustaining energy. Her love was not for accolades or recognition but was driven by an inner force that demanded action. The work she did in the slums of Calcutta was not driven by the desire for material gain or fame, but by a love that existed for its own sake—a love that gave value to her life and to the lives of others. Mother Teresa’s love was its own reward, an energy that did not depend on the outcomes or the recognition she received. It was a pure, selfless love that sustained her throughout her life, becoming its own value and making the world a better place for her being in it.

Wilder’s wisdom calls us to see love as something self-contained, infinite, and sacred. Love, in this sense, does not need to be justified by external achievements or recognition. It simply exists—as a pure and self-perpetuating force, without needing to be validated by results. This is a liberating truth, for it frees us from the pressures of expectation and the burdens of measuring love’s worth. Love does not need to produce anything to be valuable. It is valuable in its essence—in the way it radiates, in the way it connects, and in the way it elevates those who experience it. When we understand this truth, we begin to approach love not as a transaction but as a sacred experience that enriches our lives, regardless of the outcomes.

The lesson we learn from Wilder’s quote is that love, at its core, is a force of nature. It is not something that needs to be earned, validated, or proven. It exists independently of external factors, and its value is intrinsic. To love fully is to embrace the idea that love does not need approval or recognition; it is enough in itself. Love, when we understand it as energy, becomes a force that shapes our world, our hearts, and our connections. It is not bound by time, place, or circumstance—it simply is.

In your own life, reflect on the nature of your love. Do you love with the understanding that love, in its purest form, is valuable for its own sake? Or do you tie your love to outcomes—seeking approval, reward, or recognition? Let love be its own force in your life. Let it flow freely, without expectation, and without the need to measure its worth. When you give love, give it not to receive something in return but for the joy of giving itself. In doing so, you will see that love, in its essence, is a self-sustaining energy, one that will enrich your life and the lives of those around you, making the world a better place simply by its presence.