Literature

“Love – the Blindfold”

We live in the 21st century, where things are scientifically proven. There are seems to be
logical and scientific explanations behind everything –from everyday objects to tiny atoms that
compose them. We belong in a world where we hate uncertainties. We want definite answers
beyond questions and problems, just like the mathematical formulas that would lead us to the one
and only answer. It is as if someone has installed inherent computer codes in our minds to let our
brains reason things out. However, in this world, there is something that even this seemingly-
perfect brain cannot comprehend – love. Love makes us lose the rationality that we, as human
beings, possess. It is a strange yet familiar emotion that makes our brains say, “wait, what?”
There are countless consequences that we can clearly see. However, it makes us attracted to it,
just like a moth to fire. Thus, love is what makes us say yes to what our brains are screaming no
to. This love can be exhibited in various ways.
Firstly, love can be manifested by parents to their children. Parental love may be one of
the most common yet strongest kinds of love that exists. Parents are willing to do something that
is beyond logical when it comes to their children. Although love is greatly needed in taking care
of the children emotionally, it alone is not enough because for the parents to entirely take care of
their children; money is needed for the physical needs. However, love is also not entirely
independent from money because the reason for their hard work is to provide for their children.
For instance, in the story “Mang Marcing and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalyse”, Mang
Marcing paid for all the expenses of his daughter, “Famine”. The extravagance of his daughter
was more than what he could afford, but, he did not complain. Rather, he paid for those
expenses. This is a demonstration of love. Logically speaking, such profligacy is unacceptable in
the context of Mang Marcing, who is just a farmer. However, he does not complain nor scold her
daughter for it because as a father who loves his daughter, he wants to do whatever she may ask.
Next, love also exists when a person dreams. The recipient of our love does not have to
be alive. It can be thoughts and concepts, in this case, dreams. There are obvious answers to the
job that has a high pay, such as being a doctor or an engineer. Indeed, there are people who go
for these professions because that is their dream. However, there are also those people who
choose them just to be financially stable. Especially in the 21 st century, this case is common.
However, there are people who dream to follow their passion. Although it may not provide a
profound reputation nor an adequate pay, it is just what they genuinely want. Then, that itself can
be love. For example, in the story “Be an Interplanetary Spy”, Jade advises that Martin should
not give up on his dreams of becoming an “interplanetary spy”, and he promises her that he
would not, and he never did. An interplanetary spy can serve as a symbol of professions that
people will consider “pointless” such as, professional gamers or even more, professional
sleepers. Others may whisper behind their back for choosing such profession, and they
themselves may be aware that they will not be financially stable. However, the courage they need
lies in their love for their dreams. No matter how absurd it may be to other people’s eyes and
even if there is no stable income, if they love their job, they will go for it.
Lastly, love is present in the context of romance. When we are in love, we will not be
able to make a choice that our brain would prefer. It is as if the authority to make decisions has
gone over to our heart. We clearly know that it will cause us an arm and, probably, a leg, but the
only thing matters is “the one” in our hearts. It is what makes us lose our rationality. In the 21 st
century, where people rely on their minds for every single thing details in life, we finally have an
exception. In the text “The Mask and the Word”, the male persona risks his flight back to his
country just to embrace the girl one last time. Unfortunately in the story, he ends up not being
able to find the girl. However, if he found the girl, who he badly wanted to meet once again, in
the museum, he might have ended up risking and losing more than just a flight. Moreover, it is
doubtable that he regretted his decision because if he actually loved her, he would not call this as
a regretful moment, but rather, a grateful moment.
Love is a complicated term to define because it is can be used in various situations and
ways. Also, it varies from the different perspective of the people. However, if I were to define it,
I would say that love is like a blindfold that only I am capable of making. It is used to cover up
my mind, rationality, and logic. However, at cost of these, I am able to gain freedom and courage
to do what I want. Thus, love makes us go for what is not necessarily reasonable but rather, our
desire.