Yet, throughout history, the word “love” has been the basis for much bloodshed and violence. If one looks at early Greek literature, a plethora of love-based violence is apparent. Works by Sophocles, such as Antigone, depict violence all caused by the love a sister had for her brother. The Romans love for their culture empowered many wars and battles, all to claim more of the world as their own. The Trojan War was fought for the love of Helen of Troy. In religion, the Spanish inquisition forced everyone to “love” the Catholic God. The Conquistadores, in search for riches and new land, imposed their “love” of the Catholic religion on the Aztecs. The Aztecs loved their God so much that they murdered human beings daily in his honor. Their neighbors, the Mayans, loved the ball game so much that the losers were sent up for sacrifice. Even today, men find the women that they love cheating on them and the result is murder.

Perhaps I am getting carried away, but my point is clear: although t

Unfortunately, we are still plagued by love-inspired violence today. Some men’s love of the carnal leads them to rape. Addicts’ love for drugs leads to robbery, prostitution, and even murder. Even the love of oil in the Middle East has been the cause of much dispute over the past several decades. If it can be said that a major purpose of history is to learn from one’s mistakes, then perhaps actions inspired by “love” need further evaluation.

Despite the overwhelming bloodshed in the past due to love, it is through past documents and teachings that one can first see what it means to act with love. The document, which is the basis for much of the religious violence in the world, is ironically one of the first documents containing information on what it means to act lovingly. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul instructs the Romans,” Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” [Romans 13:9]. This statement roughly encapsulates my notion of an act of love. It is not as important to act with love towards your loved ones, as it is with people you do not know. These core principles of selflessness are reflected through Buddhism as well. Gandavyuha Sutra states, “The Great Compassionate Heart is the essence of Buddahood.”

However idealistic it may seem, that’s truly all love is: a concept and an idea. People today are so affluent they forget to step outside their own perspective.

It

Some topics in this essay:
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