Love for the Planet: From Ecology to Planetary Erotics

Abstract

This paper begins by exploring some historical literature, including fairy tales, on “love” and debunks its most popular idea as a purely natural and spontaneous relationship between humans. It then shifts focus to human relationships with animals, particularly companion animals like dogs and cats. The paper argues that the human-animal bond diminishes one's individuality or identity, enabling the experience of affection in its truest sense, which is a deep, interconnected love between beings. It concludes that interspecies relationships exemplify love in its purest form, transcending biological characteristics and encompassing all species on Earth, including the planet itself. The paper suggests the necessity of reimagining ecology as “planetary erotics” to gain a fresh perspective on our understanding and experience of love.