Your love is not normal. I have proof.
Wednesday, June 4th, 2008
I think most people are wrong about love. Statistically, that means you are wrong about love, too.
This is something I’ve been ruminating on for a while, but my initial desire to make a single, complete statement on the subject has prevented me thus far from voicing the essential kernel of the idea and simply starting a conversation.
The kernel, in a nutshell, is this:
There are two broad categories of verbs: Normal and Non-Continuous. I won’t go into complete definition here but suffice it to say that Normal Verbs include observable actions…run, jump, vote, and wiggle. Non-Continuous Verbs include abstract notions that cannot be seen…want, cost, care, and own.
My thesis is that the majority of people (henceforth: Group A) think of the verb “to love” in its Non-Continuous sense. Group A thinks “to love” means to sense affection or attraction for someone or something. I know I love chocolate because I get a good feeling (unobservable) when I eat it.
I (Group B) think that the full expression of the verb “to love” requires the kind of observable action that puts it squarely in the Normal category. I love my wife by remarking on her fine qualities and making her coffee just the way she likes it.
Which is to say, “True love is completely normal.”
Furthermore, the more people who switch from Group A to Group B, the more observable positive change we will see, both on a personal and on a global level. We need to stop loving humanity by feeling good about the existence of others and start handing out free rice. We need to stop loving our children by crying when they don’t call and start loving them by getting involved in their lives so they DO call.
Who’s with me?
Who’s against me?
I have a lot more to say on this, but I’d like to hear other voices first. Please leave a comment below, or better yet, take it up on your own blog and send me a link to your thoughts.
