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Randall Paul's avatar

Beautiful essay. Your conclusion might be true, but I vote to take love more 'seriously' in its particularity that allows no 'comforting' resolution in mystical oneness that eliminates competition. Universal love (utterly unconditional and non-hierarchical) which ends competition is a philosophical attempt to assure the story ends the same for all. But without 'opposition' (trade-offs) there is no existence. Love is valuable in its forced option between rivals. This is the trade-off that the gods we worship made: no disappointment, no unrequitedness, and above all no envy OR love that is particular and comparative and the MOST delicious above alternatives. Eternity without the either/or tension of hierarchical evaluation and choice is not dramatic enough to sustain our interest. So through eons of eternity, so far, love is 'the best.' As you are at writing short essays these days.

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Holly T's avatar

The only thing better than reading your writings Terryl is listening to you! Thank you. What a gift!

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