The Four Loves

by C.S. Lewis
The Four Loves cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Philosophy
Technical
  • ID: 2322
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • Publisher: DigiCat
  • Published: 2023-11-20
  • Reviews: 3

The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis is a profound exploration of the nature of love, drawing from both Christian theology and philosophical thought. Originally based on a series of radio talks, this book examines four distinct types of love: storge (empathy love), philia (friendship love), eros (romantic love), and agape (God's love). Lewis's work was initially criticized for its frankness but remains a timeless examination of human relationships and divine love. Lewis's approach is both intellectual and deeply personal, as he grapples with the idea that human loves are reflections of divine love. Through thought experiments and philosophical inquiry, he invites readers to reconsider their understanding of love in all its forms. This book is not just a theological treatise but a guide to understanding the profound connections that shape our lives.

Reviews
The Mind Palace · 2022-01-01
praiseworthy 4.50

The book is praised for its sound thinking and fine arguments, making it a product of excellent intellectual work. It is considered a delightful and praiseworthy read.

The reviewer at The Mind Palace commends The Four Loves for its sound thinking and well-crafted arguments. They find the book to be a product of fine intellectual work, making it a delightful and praiseworthy read. The reviewer appreciates how Lewis explores the different types of love with clarity and depth, making the book both engaging and thought-provoking. They highlight the book's ability to resonate with readers on multiple levels, making it a standout work.

Quick quotes

    I believe The Four Loves is a product of sound thinking.

    Fine thinking that produces fine arguments is good stuff.

    The book falls perfectly into the category of delightful and praiseworthy reads.

Reddit - r/CSLewis · 2019-01-01
moving 4.75

The book is described as deeply moving and confronting, evoking a range of emotions from enthrallment to sadness. The reviewer finds it to be a profound and impactful read.

This Reddit user shares their intense emotional journey while reading The Four Loves. They describe the book as confronting and deeply moving, noting that it evoked a range of emotions from enthrallment to sadness. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to challenge and inspire, making it a memorable and impactful read. They highlight how the book's exploration of love resonates on a personal level, making it a standout experience.

Quick quotes

    The book was confronting to me would be an understatement.

    I can't recall ever being so moved, so enthralled, and yet so totally overcome with sadness after reading a book.

    The Four Loves was a lot more than I bargained for.

A Pilgrim in Narnia · 2011-09-01
profound 4.50

The Four Loves is praised for its depth and insight into the different types of love, closely tied to Lewis' expertise. It is considered one of his most profound works, blending personal experience with scholarly analysis.

This review highlights The Four Loves as a deeply personal and scholarly exploration of love by C.S. Lewis. The reviewer appreciates how Lewis draws from his own life and academic background to discuss affection, friendship, erotic love, and the love of God. They find the book to be both moving and intellectually stimulating, making it a standout among Lewis' nonfiction works. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes are timeless and continue to resonate deeply with readers.

Quick quotes

    The Four Loves is one of Lewis' last Christian book and of his popular nonfiction, the one closest to his field of study.

    It is a profound exploration of the different types of love, blending personal experience with scholarly analysis.

    The book is both moving and intellectually stimulating, making it a standout among Lewis' nonfiction works.

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