Chloe Chen, Period 6, 11/13/2023

Chloe Chen 

Modern Mythology 2024 

Period 6

11/13/2023

Research Paper

Love is a universal feeling and a language that has no limits or barriers. Most people dedicate their entire lives to finding and experiencing it. Although love may seem like just a pounding heart, scientists have researched the chemistry and biology behind it. So what exactly is love?

According to Dr. Helen Fisher from The Science behind Lust, Attraction, and Companionship1, the three components of love are lust, attachment, and attraction. Lust, driven by hormones like testosterone and estrogen, is based on the human need to reproduce offspring. Attachment, through hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin, creates a feeling of bonding and comfort. Attraction is an increased level of dopamine and norepinephrine hormones that the reward center of the brain fires off. Love, with these three components, is like a chemical reaction inside our bodies. Love is similar to a drug; when these hormones are taken too far, people become addicted to the temporary 'high' feelings. However, love is more complicated than just a few simple hormones firing off because these feelings will fade, leaving people craving more and unable to survive without them.

As the highs begin to fade, people start using their five senses (touch, sight, smell, taste, hearing) as a guide for a desirable relationship. Dr. Philip Stieg from The Science Behind falling in love2 states that touch fuels oxytocins and can evoke pleasure or disgust. Sight creates the initial spark and fixation on a love interest, playing a vital role in triggering feelings of lust. He notes that smelling pheromones signals the brain when someone could be a potential love interest. Taste, influenced by sugary treats, increases the chances of desiring a relationship, as the sugary high becomes associated with that person. Hearing specific phrases or sharing similar music tastes can stir romantic feelings and form a verbal connection between two individuals. From what I learned, when feelings deepen and emotions settle down, people begin observing traits of their partners that make them want to stay together. Love is not solely about the good qualities but also about accepting their less-than-perfect traits.

Throughout all the Greek stories we read, the idea of love is involved in most of them. Persephone and Demeter represent maternal love, while Cupid and Psyche represent romantic love. However, in many stories, there is a fine line between love and power. Did Poseidon love Amphitrite, or was he obsessed with the power he had over her? Did Hera love Zeus or the power he had? According to research, most of the idea of 'love' in Greek mythology isn’t really love in modern standards. The Gods falling in love with mortals was simply lust and power. The mortal girls were not necessarily attracted or attached to the immortal gods; they were forced into 'loving' them because they didn’t have the power to refuse. Perhaps knowing the death that will soon arrive from mortals, the gods quickly abandon humans to prevent themselves from feeling hurt. Perhaps the gods view humans as disposable creatures. Whatever the reason is, many “love stories” were not love but a play on power. 

Like Harvard professor Richard Schwart stated in Harvard Gazette3, “I think we know a lot more scientifically about love and the brain than we did a couple of decades ago … But do we think that makes us better at love, or helping people with love? Probably not much.” With the advancements in technology, our perception of love is easily influenced by others. It becomes easier to compare personal relationships with others and the pressure of being the perfect partner can force two people apart. So despite being a scientist of love, I am not better at it than anyone without this knowledge. 

Sources: 

1. Wu, Katherine. “Love, Actually: The Science behind Lust, Attraction, and Companionship.” Science in the News, 19 June 2020, sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2017/love-actually-science-behind-lust-attraction-companionship/. 

2. Wirchin , Jason. “Your Brain and Five Senses: The Science behind Falling in Love.” NewYork-Presbyterian, 12 Feb. 2022, healthmatters.nyp.org/the-science-behind-love-how-your-brain-and-five-senses-help-you-fall-in-love/. 

3. Powell, Alvin. “Scientists Find a Few Surprises in Their Study of Love.” Harvard Gazette, 9 Nov. 2023, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/02/scientists-find-a-few-surprises-in-their-study-of-love/.