Over the years, several of my former friends (F+M) have changed boxes in my diagram below. Today, I’m wondering if empathy is an intermediate step towards indifference. Indifference can also be a blessing rather than a curse. Indifference clears the mind, including the bad memories.
My inspiration urged me to make this diagram. I asked a few friends about our spot in my (2026) diagram. Their answers were helpful and validating. Thanks !
In my view, some boxes are rather easy while the rest was not:
- Indifference is low on both emotions and ratio.
- The only spot for empathy is in the center.
- It took me a while finishing my 2026 diagram.
While preparing this blog, I noticed that two boxes needed a reversal (ie, longing and obsession). Subsequently, I added the ancient Greek names for the types of Love; please also see my 2025 diagram from The quality of Love (above left)
In my view, Love is about mutual advantage between people (eg, mutual attention, caring, intimacy). Everything humans do is about gaining advantage in Life’s three dimensions, being Love, Knowledge & Power. My view is, however, a (meta) perspective rather than a (detailed) focus.
Remarkably, there are three opposites for Love, being Hate, Lust and Indifference. Most people view Hate as an opposite of Love. An alleged quote by Elie Wiesel argues that The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. Also see my 2021 blog The opposite of love is indifference, not hate.
In my view, Lust is (much) more rational than emotional. It’s about the notion what you see is what you get a.k.a. WYSIWYG. Lust may, however, transform into an Affair and perhaps even into Love – in due time. A new Possibly Maybe might be on that path…..
Lessons in Love (1986) by Level 42
band, lyrics, video, Wiki-band, Wiki-song
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise
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