FORWARD: This essay – written in ink on a piece of old lined yellow paper – was folded up and slipped into the clear plastic holder for Polaroid photographs, where it has been since it was written. I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was an essay from my hand in the spring of 1968.
I was struck at how much the writing sounds like me, even then. It was initially untitled, but I have now given it the name, “On Love – an essay.“
So, here it is, as it was written forty-one years ago, with only minor edits – and incidentally only a matter of months after I met the one who eventually became and still is, my lovely wife, Myrna. – daniel w. jacobs
ON LOVE – an essay
We all have an overwhelming desire to be needed – to be wanted – appreciated – admired, and to be loved.
In order to fulfill this desire we must first be willing to give love; next, we must be satisfied with ourselves such that we can accept love from another.
Love must be given freely – with reflection and deliberation – as it necessitates and forms obligations for which sacrifices must be made.
We can see that the love for oneself cannot be an inward, selfish kind that only takes, but must rather be a giving, outpouring, unselfish kind that recognizes and expresses the best that is in us.
When you discover love of your own being, don’t be afraid to reveal it. For you have uncovered one of the basic principles of happiness – one of many that are needed to be really happy.
When you discover this love in another and she in you, then you have begun to uncover the true secrets of happiness. You now have a chance to make it blossom and grow into all that you both wished for.
For it is this mutual warmth, affection, admiration, enthusiasm, respect, and love that form the foundation of true happiness – cherish it as you do yourself.
daniel w. jacobs
Written in the spring of 1968
© 1968-2020, all rights reserved
