Sextus Propertius: 'Love can be put off, never abandoned.'

Love can be put off, never abandoned.

Love can be put off, never abandoned. This profound quote by Sextus Propertius encapsulates the enduring nature of love. It suggests that while love can be delayed or postponed, it can never truly be discarded. Love, in its various forms, holds immense significance in our lives and has been the subject of countless poems, songs, and stories throughout history. In straightforward terms, this quote means that even if we try to push love away or defer it, it remains an indelible part of our existence, constantly present and unruly.The quote by Propertius resonates deeply with a philosophical concept known as the "eternal return." Originating from the works of Friedrich Nietzsche, the eternal return posits that time is cyclical and that everything that has happened in the past will continue to happen in an endless repetition. Applying this concept to love, we can explore a more profound understanding of Propertius' quote.Imagine a world where the eternal return is a reality, where our actions and experiences recur infinitely. In such a world, love becomes an omnipresent force, always returning, undeterred by our attempts to avoid it. No matter how much we try to put off or ignore love, it comes back to us, shaping our lives and relationships. It becomes an ever-present companion, weaving its tendrils through every aspect of our existence.But why would love persist in such a relentless manner? What is it about love that makes it impervious to our attempts to abandon or avoid it? Perhaps it is the very essence of love itself, a fundamental force of the human condition. Love touches our deepest emotions, connects us with others, and drives us to seek companionship and connection. It is an inherent part of our nature, something we cannot escape.Furthermore, love is not something that can be simply discarded. It lingers within us, leaving traces and memories that continue to influence our lives long after a relationship has ended. These remnants of love shape our perception of future relationships, molding our expectations, and influencing the choices we make. Love, it seems, has a way of leaving an indelible mark on our hearts, even if we try to turn away from it.In contrast to the eternal return, consider a world where love can be abandoned entirely. Picture a reality where love can be cast aside like an old, worn-out garment, never to be thought of again. While this may seem like an alluring concept, it is also a bleak and desolate one. Love brings joy, passion, and meaning to our lives. It is through love that we experience deep connections, find comfort in times of difficulty, and discover the beauty of shared experiences. To abandon love entirely would be to forsake a vital aspect of our humanity.In conclusion, Sextus Propertius' quote, "Love can be put off, never abandoned," encapsulates the enduring nature of love and its unwavering presence in our lives. When viewed through the lens of the eternal return, love takes on even greater significance, persistently returning in an endless cycle. Love is an intrinsic part of the human experience, molding our emotions, shaping our relationships, and leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. By understanding that love cannot be abandoned, we unlock the capacity to embrace its beauty and navigate its complexities, enriching our lives in unprecedented ways.