The Inward Man

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Agape (/ɑːˈɡɑːpeɪ, ˈɑːɡəˌpeɪ, ˈæɡə-/;[1] from Ancient Greek ἀγάπη (agápē)) is “the highest form of lovecharity” and “the love of God for [human beings] and of [human beings] for God”.

Love is considered to be both positive and negative, with its virtue representing kindnesscompassion, and affection—”the unselfish, loyal, and benevolent concern for the good of another”—and its vice representing a moral flaw akin to vanityselfishnessamour-propre, and egotism. It may also describe compassionate and affectionate actions towards other humans, oneself, or animals.[3] In its various forms, love acts as a major facilitator of interpersonal relationships, and owing to its central psychological importance, is one of the most common themes in the creative arts.[4][5] Love has been postulated to be a function that keeps human beings together against menaces and to facilitate the continuation of the species.[6]

Ancient Greek philosophers identified six forms of lovefamilial love (storge), friendly love or platonic love (philia), romantic love (eros), self-love (philautia), guest love (xenia), and divine or unconditional love (agape). Modern authors have distinguished further varieties of love: fatuous loveunrequited loveempty lovecompanionate loveconsummate loveinfatuated love (limerence), amour de soi, and courtly love. Numerous cultures have also distinguished RenYuanfenMamihlapinatapaiCafunéKamaBhaktiMettāIshqChesedAmorecharitySaudade (and other variants or symbioses of these states), as culturally unique words, definitions, or expressions of love in regard to specified “moments” currently lacking in the English language.[7]

This is the true definition of love:


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