Love Quote by Stephen Amidon
““For Plato, the quickening of the heart that occurred when a person saw his or her loved one was just a step in the ascent to true love, which could happen only in the mind, after the lover comprehended what was eternally true and beautiful in the beloved. Platonic love existed beyond all the blood and heat contained in the heart. This split between passion and piety, between lust and love, would resonate throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and it continues up to the present day.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Platonic Tradition, Stephen Amidon, 2015
Platonic love separates physical desire from spiritual ideal, urging the mind to seek eternal beauty beyond bodily passion.
In simple terms: True love is mental, not physical.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper connection beyond physical attraction.
Themes
love
philosophy
spirituality
history
eternity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Romantic relationships
- artistic inspiration
- philosophical study
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Platonic ideal
mind-body dualism
transcendence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance physical attraction with deeper values?
- Can love exist without physical presence?
A Different Perspective
Physical desire can dominate and distract from spiritual pursuit.
