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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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A philosophical essay about romantic love, vice versa erotism and sexual attraction.

It is a revelation of reading, a knowledge of the self through psychoanalysis, poetry and mythology.

I liked the detachment of the writer, the simplicity of the sentence, the emotion that ran through me during the reading.

From the chastity of the monks to the terrorism of the Marquis de Sade, from "fin'amor" - the most perfect form of love that does not imply the physical act to the Oedipal incest, all seem to me worthy of exploration. It is like a void that fills with more and more forms of love, respect and coercion aka Romeo and Juliet.

The Nobel Prize winner for literature, Octavio Paz, presents a modern radiography of love and erotism starting from Plato's Banquet and ending with modern novels: Anna Karenina, Madame Bovary, Ulysses.
July 15,2025
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A great book that delves into the connections between poetry, love, and sexuality. It showcases the significance of rescuing poetry in order to salvage love. Poetry has always been a powerful medium through which emotions are expressed and explored. It has the ability to capture the essence of love and sexuality in a way that words alone cannot. This book takes a deep look at how these three elements are intertwined and how poetry can be used as a tool to understand and enhance our experiences of love and sexuality.


By examining the works of various poets, the author demonstrates how poetry can help us to see love and sexuality in a new light. It can揭示 hidden emotions and desires, and allow us to connect with others on a deeper level. In a world where love and sexuality are often reduced to mere physical acts, this book reminds us of the importance of the emotional and spiritual aspects of these experiences.


Overall, this is a thought-provoking and engaging book that will appeal to anyone interested in poetry, love, and sexuality. It offers a unique perspective on these topics and encourages us to look at them in a more profound and meaningful way.

July 15,2025
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Love has a rich and diverse history in the West, with its conception stemming from various sources.

Throughout the ages, love has been a subject of great interest and exploration. From ancient Greek philosophers who contemplated the nature of love to medieval troubadours who sang of courtly love, the concept has evolved and taken on different meanings.

The etymology of the word "love" also provides insights into its origins. Derived from Old English and Germanic roots, it has encompassed ideas such as affection, desire, and commitment.

Looking forward to the future, love will continue to be a central aspect of human experience. As society changes and evolves, our understanding of love may also shift. New forms of love may emerge, and our expressions of love may take on different manifestations.

Despite the uncertainties, one thing is certain: love will always hold a special place in our hearts and lives. It will continue to inspire us, bring us joy, and connect us with others in profound ways.
July 15,2025
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Desde el comienzo, I didn't like it. Perhaps it was due to things like "She is the woman: the perennial source, the great cunt, the mother mountain, our beginning and our end", "It seems strange that (...) Socrates puts a doctrine about love in the mouth of a woman", "Dante gives the reason for this preference for the vulgar language and not for Latin: the poets wanted to be understood by the ladies", and blaming the changes in the vision of love, marriage, and adultery on "the growing independence of women; (...) the appearance of contraceptive methods". Or perhaps I didn't like the fact that it talked about love and eroticism in such an egomaniacal and boastful way, given that Octavio Paz was a person who prohibited his wife from "venturing into the genre of poetry because that was his territory".

In the end, I almost hated it in its entirety. And although I'm used to keeping the notes I like the most from books with adhesive tabs, in this case and with this book, it was more to point out the things that generated the most repulsion in me from the essay.

Overall, this work left a rather negative impression on me, with its various elements that I found either offensive or simply unappealing. It made me question the author's perspective and the way he presented his ideas about such important and sensitive topics.
July 15,2025
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Love is a complex and multi-faceted concept that has been explored and analyzed throughout history. It can take on many forms, from the passionate and erotic to the selfless and altruistic. However, love can also be a source of great pain and confusion, as it often challenges our sense of identity and self-worth.


In our modern world, the concept of love has become even more complicated, with questions arising about its place in an age of artificial intelligence and rapidly changing social and cultural norms. How has the idea of the individual, as a source of both cultural and political freedoms, influenced the development of the concept of love? And how have love and politics become two of the most important aspects of human relationships?


Furthermore, how does a person's social and political environment affect their ability to form and maintain loving relationships? Is love simply a result of the various conditions and circumstances that surround us, or does it have a deeper meaning and purpose?


Literature and poetry have played an important role in shaping our understanding of love, and have often been used to express the complex emotions and experiences that come with it. How have literary movements influenced the way that societies view love, and how have they contributed to the major changes that love has undergone throughout history?


Finally, there are many practical questions that we must ask ourselves about love, such as whether it is possible to be friends with someone you love, or whether it is possible to resolve the conflicts that often arise between love and friendship. And what do we do when we find ourselves in love with two people at the same time?


In conclusion, love is a mysterious and often perplexing force that continues to fascinate and intrigue us. While we may never fully understand its true nature, we can continue to explore and question it, in the hopes of gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
July 15,2025
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The text you provided seems a bit unclear. However, I'll do my best to rewrite and expand it based on what I understand.

The work is very good, but it fails to mention Leo the Hebrew/Judah Abravanel's Dialoghi d'amore. This omission is rather significant as Dialoghi d'amore is an important piece of literature. It explores profound themes such as love, philosophy, and the human condition.

Leo the Hebrew, also known as Judah Abravanel, was a prominent figure in the intellectual and literary circles of his time. His Dialoghi d'amore had a significant impact on the development of ideas. By not including it in the discussion, the work misses an opportunity to engage with a rich and influential text.

Perhaps the author could have considered incorporating a reference to Dialoghi d'amore to add depth and breadth to their analysis. This would have allowed for a more comprehensive exploration of the relevant themes and a better understanding of the literary and intellectual context in which the work was produced.

Overall, while the work is of good quality, the lack of mention of Leo the Hebrew/Judah Abravanel's Dialoghi d'amore is a notable oversight that could have been addressed to enhance the work's value and significance.
July 15,2025
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Overall, this book titled "The Double Flame Love and Eroticism" by Octavio Paz is both interesting and enjoyable to read.

It effectively elucidates the modern rendition of love, the meaning and inclusions of eroticism, and how sexuality, eroticism, and love are related and differentiated.

For these features, I consider it valuable for a study of love and eroticism as it provides a significant amount of knowledge and insight into these subjects.

The only drawback is that it is quite scholarly and at times esoteric, which may make it inaccessible and less useful for the average person.

Although I found it interesting to learn about poetry and literature throughout the centuries and across the globe, this is because I already have an interest in such things, independent of my interest in love and eroticism.

However, it may not be of interest to everyone, and someone seeking answers and insights into love and eroticism might find the exploration of history and literature to be tedious and a long journey.

So, if you enjoy taking the longer, more winding paths up the mountain, then this book will satisfy you. But if you prefer a shorter, more direct route, then I wouldn't recommend reading this one.


  The Double Flame Love and Eroticism by Octavio Paz
July 15,2025
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It can be quite difficult to follow the thread of all the references.

The different chapters cover a wide variety of themes.

This makes it a must-read for those who wish to understand the prose of Paz.

Each chapter seems to offer a unique perspective and delves into various aspects that are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of Paz's work.

The sheer diversity of topics can be overwhelming at times, but it also enriches the reading experience.

Readers need to pay close attention to the details and connections between the different sections to fully grasp the essence of Paz's prose.

Overall, despite the challenges, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in exploring the world of Paz's literature.
July 15,2025
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An interesting essay on the development that love and passion have had, as well as the intrinsic seduction instinct of the human being. Love and passion are two powerful emotions that have accompanied humanity throughout its history. They have evolved and changed over time, adapting to different cultural, social, and historical contexts. The instinct of seduction, on the other hand, is an inherent part of our nature, driving us to attract and connect with others. This instinct has also developed and diversified, taking on various forms and expressions. In this essay, we will explore the fascinating journey of love, passion, and the seduction instinct, examining how they have influenced our lives and relationships. We will look at different theories and perspectives, as well as real-life examples, to gain a deeper understanding of these complex and captivating phenomena.

July 15,2025
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This is an excellent book.

It contains profound and worthy reflections from a Nobel Prize winner.

The author's insights and perspectives are truly remarkable.

Reading this book is like embarking on a journey of intellectual exploration.

The ideas presented in it have the potential to inspire and challenge the reader.

It offers a unique and valuable contribution to the field of knowledge.

Whether you are interested in the subject matter or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, this book is definitely worth your time.

It is a must-read for anyone who desires to expand their understanding and gain new perspectives.

The Nobel Prize recognition is a testament to the book's quality and significance.

Overall, it is a remarkable work that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.
July 15,2025
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The Double Flame is an essay penned by the renowned Mexican writer Octavio Paz. It saw the light of day in 1993, precisely three years subsequent to its author being conferred the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Experimentation and nonconformity are perhaps two of the most apt words that can be used to characterize his poetic oeuvre. In essence, Paz is a poet who defies easy categorization. None of the labels bestowed upon him by critics truly align with his poetry. In his early days, he was regarded as a neomodernist poet. Later on, he was seen as an existential poet. And at times, there were hints of surrealism in his work. However, no single label can comprehensively encapsulate his poetic genius. He is a poet who constantly evolves and challenges the norms, making it extremely difficult to pigeonhole him into a specific literary category.

His works are a testament to his unique vision and his ability to explore the human condition in ways that are both profound and thought-provoking. The Double Flame, in particular, offers readers a deep and insightful exploration of love and desire, further solidifying Paz's reputation as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century.
July 15,2025
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Each couple of lovers relives their story.

They experience the nostalgia of paradise.

Every couple is aware of death and lives in a continuous close encounter with the bodiless time.

Reinventing love means reinventing the original couple, those who have been exiled from Eden, the creators of this world and of history.

Love is a complex and profound emotion that holds the power to shape our lives and relationships.

It is not just about the initial passion and attraction but also about the journey of growth, understanding, and acceptance that follows.

By reinventing love, we can breathe new life into our relationships and create a deeper and more meaningful connection with our partners.

This requires us to look beyond the surface and explore the hidden depths of our hearts and souls.

It is a process that takes time, effort, and patience, but the rewards are well worth it.

When we reinvent love, we are not only reinventing ourselves but also the world around us.
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