Question

What about people? Do we love others because we like their qualities, whether physical or mental? Or is it possible to love someone “for themselves alone”? Are some people ‘more lovable’ than others? Discuss this question in pairs or in groups, considering points like the following.

1. a parent or caregiver’s love for a newborn baby, for a mentally or physically challenged child, for a clever child or a prodigy
2. the public’s love for a film star, a sportsperson, a politician, or a social worker
3. your love for a friend, or brother or sister
4. your love for a pet, and the pet’s love for you.

Answer 1

1. The only things that determine a parent’s love for a newborn or a child with mental or physical disabilities are their emotional connection and sense of belonging. In practical terms, a child’s intelligence serves as the next standard for liking, although a parent will still like their child regardless of their child’s cognitive and physical abilities.
2. The public’s affection for a politician, movie star, athlete, or sports person depends on how well they perform in their respective fields. This implies that if these people don’t perform well at their occupations, this love will soon fade.
3. Sibling love is essentially an emotional bond. This love will not waver in the face of the most trying circumstances because there is very little materialistic attitude to this emotional bond.
4. Love for pets, and vice versa, depends on how well the two people get along at any given time. This implies that emotional connection and a sense of belonging might change over time.