“Belief in the existence of other human beings as such is love.”Simone Weil · Greutatea și harul · 1947 · Greutatea și harul, Despre iubire
Authentic love is recognizing the real existence of other people, as real as yourself.
Weil argues that we usually treat others as characters in our own internal movie. Truly believing in their separate existence, with their own pains and joys, is an act of love that requires effort. For example, when you realize that a quiet colleague is not just 'that boring guy,' but a person with an inner life as complex as yours, you begin to truly love them.
Why it matters This idea counters the tendency to reduce others to roles or stereotypes, helping you build deeper and more empathetic relationships.