Comparative-Philosophy. What is love? Define it in the context of art/religion of an era in comparison to our modern world view.

Love throughout history has changed quite a bit from medieval era to our present day in the 21st century. Love in the prehistoric era was much different than the love of this day and age.  In the old age love is nothing more than partner readily available and willing to aid you in you daily life. For instance back in the nomadic period, women were meant to bare children and raise them while the men were out hunting. There weren't a lot of emotions involved in a relationship, and feelings were mutual as they strived to live one day at a time.

 In classical Greece it was just as similar to the prehistoric times, but women were given bigger roles, such as taking care of the house while the man of the house was away. She was to manage the slaves, assign tasks and to assure their thorough completion, while the man was out working to bring in the meal ticket. Just as the prehistoric days, deep emotions in a relationship weren’t at all common. Also there were arranged marriages; which means, the couple didn't even know each other until they were married. This tradition still exists among some cultures today.  Now fast forward to our era; love is a symbol of romance, unity and family.

Today as compared to the old days, some people get married because they fall in-love with each other, meaning they found a quality amongst themselves which they are both attracted to. Also, instead of arranged marriages, people of this day and age, arrange their weddings according to their schedule as they see fit. Christians today believe that man and woman should be joined together by a pastor who would unite them as husband and wife according to the “Holy Bible.” 

 Love is the fuel that our body needs each and every day to keep us going. It is easy to fall in love but to stay in love requires that special someone. Aristophanes states in Plato’s work, The Symposium, “that humans originally had four arms, four legs, and a single head made of two faces, but Zues feared their power and split them all in half, condemning them to spend their lives searching for the other half to complete them.” Imagine another part of you somewhere in the distance crying out for you. Could it be the one who stands in front of thee, my soul mate?

Words are unnecessary for the bond created between soul mates. It is a feeling which comes from deep within that is an unspoken truth. Love can sometimes be short and deceitful, but the instant and long-lasting love between soul mates is a forever love. The connection that exists between them is much deeper than that of the superficial normality. An example of that deeper connection is how soul mates have shared feelings which prevent one from disrespecting the other as well as minimizing arguments.

Reaching one’s potential is enriching and is facilitated by having one’s soul mate around. Waking every morning with a support system that allows one to know anything and everything is possible, is what finding a soul mate is all about. The soul mate provides strength, courage and motivation. The sky is the limit, for that is the reason Zeus had to separate the soul because the unification is more powerful than one can endure. For example, two brains are better than one, and when they are both on the same wavelength, any progressing thought is empowered by the both of them.

To conclude, not only will soul mates have a deep connection and understanding, but they will also empower each other. Deep within one’s heart, one will know. Where art thou soul mate? Does your soul mate stand before you?

-Cornelius Bransah