Sigmund Freud: 'One is very crazy when in love.'

One is very crazy when in love.

The quote by Sigmund Freud, "One is very crazy when in love," captures the intense and often irrational nature of love. Love has the power to make us act in ways that might seem out of character or even insane. It is a sentiment that resonates with many individuals who have experienced the potent emotions that come with being in love. Freud's quote highlights the significant impact love can have on our thoughts, actions, and overall sanity. However, to delve deeper into the topic, let us now introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that adds depth to our understanding of love.In contrast to Freud's idea that love can drive one to craziness, the ancient Greek philosopher Plato introduces the concept of "Eros" to shed light on the nature of love. According to Plato's Symposium, Eros is more than just passion; it is a pathway to acquiring wisdom and achieving higher forms of beauty and truth. Plato's perspective adds an intriguing contrast to Freud's notion of love, emphasizing the transformative and enlightening aspects that can be found within this complex emotion.While Freud highlights the irrationality of love, Plato suggests that it can also serve as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. The state of being in love allows us to expose vulnerabilities, confront our desires, and explore our deepest emotions. In this sense, Freud's "crazy" could be seen as a metaphor for the unbounded and exhilarating nature of love, urging us to step outside our comfort zones and take risks.Furthermore, both Freud and Plato liken love to a form of madness. Freud associates it with a loss of rationality, as we may make impulsive decisions based on our emotions. Plato, on the other hand, views love as a divine madness, an insanity that connects us to a higher realm of existence. For Plato, love transcends the mundane and the earthly, elevating us to a state of ecstasy and an encounter with something beyond ourselves.Freud's observation focuses on the subjective experience of being in love, emphasizing the emotional turmoil and unpredictability it can elicit. Plato's philosophical perspective delves deeper into the metaphysical aspects of love, suggesting that it involves an elevation of the soul and a search for a greater truth. By incorporating these opposing views, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of love.In conclusion, the quote by Sigmund Freud, "One is very crazy when in love," encapsulates the intense and often irrational experience of being in love. Freud's perspective highlights the impact love can have on our thoughts and actions, pushing us to behave in ways that might be deemed crazy by societal norms. However, Plato's introduction of the concept of Eros adds an unexpected philosophical dimension to our understanding of love. Plato sees love as a transformative force, capable of leading us towards wisdom and higher forms of beauty. While Freud and Plato offer contrasting ideas about love, they both acknowledge its power and the profound effects it can have on our lives. Ultimately, love remains a complex and enigmatic emotion that continues to intrigue and inspire us.

Previous
Previous

Sigmund Freud: 'Whoever loves becomes humble. Those who love have, so to speak, pawned a part of their narcissism.'

Next
Next

Sigmund Freud: 'The liberty of the individual is no gift of civilization. It was greatest before there was any civilization.'