Six Types of Ancient Greek Love Concepts Translated to Modern Times
- Agápe (ἀγάπη agápē[1]) means “love: esp. charity; the love of God for man and of man for a good God.”
Spiritual love
The feeling or belief that God or the universe has your back unconditionally. It’s a very personal relationship some may call with the higher self. I like to describe it as an unconditional love you experience from a higher source or God’s love.
2. Éros (ἔρως érōs) means “love, mostly of the sexual passion.”
Romantic Love
Intimacy with another does not mean you have to have sex or hook up with that person. Hence, Plato’s philosophy of Platonic friendship. Sex, of course, can feel amazing and physical touch can be really healing. The Eros type of love though can be expanded to the beauty in another or something. Sex included but appreciating beauty leans deeper towards love.
3. Philia (φιλία philía) means “affectionate regard, friendship”, usually “between equals”.
Brotherly or Sisterly Love
The love between friends, family and others in your community. The famous philosopher Aristotle wrote extensively on ethics and politics in which the concept of Philia love came about. Our affection for our close ones needs to be expanded to other human beings around the world. We were all created equal and the love that’s going to save the world is the love we have for the “stranger”
4. Storge (στοργή storgē) means “love, affection” and “especially of parents and children”
Parent Love
A parent’s love for his or her child. I don’t have kids but I can definitely feel the love from my parents. In gratitude for that and acknowledging the struggles some parents have and the effects on their children.
5. Philautia means “self-love” to love yourself or “regard for one’s own happiness or advantage”
Self-Love
One way to view this type of love is to “treat yo self” because self-love can be turned into and is turned into vanity and selfishness. However, if your one to beat yourself up when you mess up have some self-compassion.
6. Xenia (Greek: ξενία, romanized: xenía, meaning “guest-friendship”) is the ancient Greek concept of hospitality, the generosity and courtesy shown to those who are far from home and/or associates of the person bestowing guest-friendship.
Service-Love
This concept of love I just discovered and realized why hospitality is such a huge industry. Hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes all feed this type of love related to hospitality.
