Symposium

The Greeks used myths to explain those things that could not be explained. From the creation of the world, to the formation of oceans, the creation of mankind, and their relationship with the gods, myths provide an explanation to the unknown. Aristophanes' speech focuses on the creation of man, and the creation of love. Though his myth is not based in reality, the metaphor he creates for love has been the same through all of time. "'Love' is the name for our pursuit of wholeness, for our desire to be complete.” (Symposium 29) We can relate to this idea of love because there are aspects of love that do make us feel complete, wanted, needed, cherished, and appreciated. This ‘love’ doesn’t have to be from another individual. There are people that never fall in love, but still feel complete because they have found purpose in their life, and in that purpose there is love. It is important to find this purpose and to be passionate about life.

I am not entirely convinced in the concept of the ‘other half,’ but love, I believe, can make you more whole. Love of any kind can add to an individual’s life in ways never expected. When one is ‘in love’ it involves setting down your guard to discover yourself, to discover others, and to discover life in an entirely new perspective.