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Preferential love seeks only those who share one's…

“Preferential love seeks only those who share one's passions--the more similar the lovers the more fervent the love. By contrast, neighbour love is not preferential and there is no question of loving for sameness' sake. It thrives in a situation of difference, able to include many people under its…” quote by Stephen Backhouse
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““Preferential love seeks only those who share one's passions--the more similar the lovers the more fervent the love. By contrast, neighbour love is not preferential and there is no question of loving for sameness' sake. It thrives in a situation of difference, able to include many people under its aegis. The drift of love based on passionate preference is always towards 'the one.' The drift of neighbour love is always towards 'the many.””

Stephen Backhouse

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Preferential love focuses on shared passions, while neighbor love embraces differences and includes many.

In simple terms: Love based on similarity vs. love based on inclusion.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate inclusive love beyond shared interests.

Themes

love inclusion diversity relationships philosophy

Mood

reflective thoughtful optimistic

Type

eros:1 Kierkegaard:0 Love:1 Neighbor love:1 Neighbour Love:1 Preferential Love:1 Love Preferential:0 Drift Neighbour:0 Similar Lovers:0

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • community building
  • interfaith dialogue
  • social activism

Key Concepts

preferential love neighbor love eros kierkegaard philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you practice neighbor love in daily life?
  • What barriers exist to inclusive love?
A Different Perspective

Preferential love may exclude those who differ.

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