Monday, June 09, 2008

The Three Greek Words for Love

Patrick Rothfuss did a great job of defining the three types of love in the Greek language. My college profs said basically the same thing but it wasn't nearly so memorable.

The ancient Greeks were wise enough to have three words for love: Filius, Eros, and Agape. Filius was family love, what you feel for your mom. Eros was sweaty love of the sort that you feel for best friend's hot mom. Agape is profound and elevated. A sort of soul love, like what you feel for your PlayStation, or Natalie Portman, or Joss Whedon.

2 comments:

Connie said...

I may have to use this quote for a signature line on one of my message boards. I love it.

George said...

Hi, the spelling (transliterated) is

Filia
Eros
Agapi

Eros in not necessarily sexual love; it is a strong agapi. Eros is used even for love of God.

Kind Regards,

George
www.ellopos.net