Modern Western Society tends to limit erotic love to the purely physical, but the classical conception was broader than that. When the tern accuses Eros of neglecting his godly duties, his absence doesn't result in a lessened physical drive in humanity -
"there is no pleasure anywhere, no grace, no charm, everything is rough, savage, uncouth. There are no more marriages, no more mutual friendships, no children's love, nothing but endless squalor and repellent, distasteful, and sordid couplings."
Apuleius
The Golden Ass
Eros, in its fullest and deepest sense, is so much more than the sating of physical appetite. Much that our society terms "erotic" lacks the grace, charm, refinement, friendship, love, and commitment that mark the best that Eros offers.
No comments:
Post a Comment