I will post my theory. I apologise in advance for the fact that I express it almost mathematically...
First and foremost, I contrast Love with Evil. Both of these are forces:
Love is a connective (creates connection) and constructive force.
Evil is a separative (creates separation) and destructive force.
Unlike, the yin-yang, there is no equilibrium between Love (good) and Evil - they are completely incompatible. Each, however, *is* a dualistic force. Both Love and Evil have an active force and a passive force. Both of Love and Evil have a force that is oriented towards the Self (inward) and a force that is oriented away from the Self (outward).
To summarise in two lines:
- Love has an active outward force (giving) and a passive inward force (receiving).
- Evil has a passive outward force (guilt-giving) and an active inward force (taking).
Notice how the only difference is a
polarity reversal.
* Giving is an
active outward force, because the
flow of energy is extended away from Self and because this movement is
initiated by Self.
* Receiving is a
passive inward force, because the
flow of energy is extended towards Self and because this movement is
not initiated by Self.
* Guilt-giving is a
passive outward force, because
the flow of energy is extended away from Self and because this movement is
not initiated by Self.
* Taking is an
active inward force, because
the flow of energy is extended towards Self and because this movement is
initiated by Self.
What are the implications of this?
What is the difference between
receiving and
taking? My question concerning "give and take" was a trick question, because taking is incompatible with Love. The ability to give, however, relies on the ability to receive.
I wanted to create a contrast between
giving and a passive equivalent of an outward force, but I failed to find a word in our language for such a concept. "Giving" out of guilt is, however, an example of giving passively. It is done because the motivation to do so comes from the outside. It is motivated and therefore initiated by the outside world. Being the victim of a taker falls into this category, because we are thereby robbed of energy (a broad word), and the taker has initiated this movement of energy towards him/herself. I call the passive equivalent of giving "
guilt-giving", but it is in no way limited to situations when guilt is the motivational or initiating force. Note that an expectation constitutes an outside motivational force. Expecting something of someone is a form of taking.
The assumptions and effects of each dichotomy (Love and Evil, respectively) are notable.
Love assumes
infinite energy and because it is
giving AND receiving perpetually, the energy is always in motion and distributed perfectly; it is
continuous. This continuity creates
connections. Also, because the initiating force of
giving is
Self (giving is active), it is not based on commitments, promises and expectations. Love is beautiful because it exists in the present and it is perpetuated by itself. It cannot be coerced into existence. It is therefore inherently spontaneous and in the present. Note the difference between the statements:
"I take care of you because it is something that I desire to do for you." (present tense + spontaneity)
"I take care of you because I agreed to do so in the past." (past tense + agreement/expectation)
Evil, for lack of a better word, assumes
finite energy. One takes because one believes they will either run out or that they can control a limited resource. An infinite resource cannot be controlled. As such, attempts are made to trap the energy and prevent it from motion. The energy becomes stagnant. It only enters motion when another can persuade or force it towards themselves, so that they can hoard it. This
discontinuity creates
separation. Whereas Love distributes energy through continuity and connectivity, Evil must do so through dependence and bondage. It fears spontaneity and seeks to control energy flow through coercion and contract.
Agapooka
