Man, Love

"No father could have loved a son more than Aeneas loved Ascanius, but Ascanius had not yet grown into the generosity of heart that would let him simply accept that love; he thought he had to earn it by proving himself superior to it."  --Ursula K. LeGuin, Lavinia   

I've known more than one man and boy who labors under the misapprehension that love must be earned.  It reminds me of the rather Victorian theme of a young male character who runs away from the life he begins with, in order to "earn his way" (and, theoretically, come back to the young ingenue, whom he will marry when only he can afford it ... has "earned" it).

Such a heartbreaking way to waste a blessing.  Especially the ones who go for those last three words.  Who harden, measuring love as a detriment and, finally, eschew it - and, perhaps, even come to think they are "above" it.

Acceptance ... takes such generosity of heart, few people ever manage (or even want) to attain it.



Pity.