Romantic love is a recent invention from "summary" of Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan,Cacilda Jetha
The idea that romantic love is a recent invention flies in the face of what we've been told for centuries. We grow up hearing that true love is eternal, that it's always been this way, that Romeo and Juliet were just as much in love as any couple today. But as we delve deeper into human history, we begin to see cracks in this fairy tale. In fact, the concept of romantic love as we know it today is a relatively new development. For most of human history, relationships were more about practicality than passion. Marriage was often a strategic alliance between families, a way to consolidate power or secure resources. Love may have played a role, but it was not the driving force behind the union. It wasn't until the Middle Ages in Europe that the idea of marrying for love began to gain traction. Even then, it was a luxury reserved for the wealthy and powerful. For the common folk, marriage was still largely a matter of convenience. It wasn't until the rise of the Romantic movement in the 18th century that love became the central focus of relationships. This shift was fueled by a number of factors, including changes in economic structures, advances in technology, and evolving social norms. As societies became more individualistic and egalitarian, people began to prioritize their own happiness and fulfillment in relationships. Love was no longer just a bonus; it was the main event. But even as romantic love became more prominent, it was still constrained by societal expectations and norms. Monogamy was still the default mode of relationships, and extramarital affairs were frowned upon. It wasn't until the sexual revolution of the 1960s that these restrictions began to loosen, allowing for a more fluid and open approach to love and relationships. So when we consider the history of romantic love, we see that it is indeed a recent invention, a product of specific cultural, social, and economic forces. It may feel timeless and universal, but in reality, it is a relatively new phenomenon that continues to evolve and adapt to our changing world.
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