Originally Posted by Inuzuka Skysword (Post 688034)

You are telling me, though, that I should give love to this guy because I will get it back. It might make sense in this instance, but what about a guy like Hitler? Am I to love him? If I were a Jew who went through Auschwitz am I supposed to try and bond with those who persecute me? No. I will bond with those who share my suffering and my values, which have been reduced to almost nothing by the likes of the Nazis.

In a pacifistic sense, yes, I could treat everyone with a certain level of respect no matter what they have done to me. However, I certainly would not call that "love."

Originally Posted by cardboard adolescent (Post 688090)

Yes, I am telling you that if you were a Jew who went through the concentration camps, you should love Hitler. That seems like the pinnacle of human understanding that everyone should be reaching for.

Originally Posted by cardboard adolescent (Post 688102)

Platonically, preferably. However you are capable, I suppose. To say unconditionally is redundant. Love him as you love yourself, or love him as you hate him. If I have to define what 'type' of love, I guess I'm thinking of a feeling closely related to empathy that involves identifying with someone for their flaws, in the sense that knowing the dark side of what it is to be human helps us overcome ourselves and keeps us modest.

Love him as you love the younger versions of yourself, even if you see them as immature and see yourself as having overcome them.

Originally Posted by cardboard adolescent (Post 688102)

Platonically, preferably. However you are capable, I suppose. To say unconditionally is redundant. Love him as you love yourself, or love him as you hate him. If I have to define what 'type' of love, I guess I'm thinking of a feeling closely related to empathy that involves identifying with someone for their flaws, in the sense that knowing the dark side of what it is to be human helps us overcome ourselves and keeps us modest.

Love him as you love the younger versions of yourself, even if you see them as immature and see yourself as having overcome them.

Originally Posted by cardboard adolescent (Post 688150)

wisdom is love, all learning proceeds from the soul

/socrates

Originally Posted by Kool_Dude_HaMeR (Post 688139)

what you are talking about there, is not love, but understanding.

Originally Posted by JKSmith (Post 688307)

This is like arguing with a bunch of 3-year-olds. Whenever I try to say anything, you just say, "God doesn't because God doesn't exist!" Look around! By chance? Impossible! I'm not trying to convert you, I'm just stating the obvious.