“All about love” by Bell Hooks

The author 🖋

Bell Hooks, born Gloria Jean Watkins, was a bestselling author, feminist and social activist with over 30 published books.

She also taught at several prestigious universities, including Stanford and Yale, and was a Distinguished Professor at Berea College (where she also founded the Bell Hooks Institute).

Bell passed away in 2021.

Key takeaways 🎓

1. Redefining love

Love isn't just a warm, fuzzy feeling that comes and goes.

It requires effort and should be active commitment that we demonstrate daily.

Saying “I love you” is not enough - caring for someone, being honest, trusting and respecting them are all actions we should take to prove we mean it.

2. Self-love is the foundation

Hooks argues that in order to love others, we must first learn to love ourselves.

This involves developing self-awareness, healing from past traumas, forgiving our mistakes, and cultivating self-compassion.

If we don't take care of ourselves and feel good about who we are, it's going to be hard to love someone else too.

3. Love can change the world

As cliche as it sounds, love can make the world a better place.

Hooks views love not just as a personal matter but as a powerful tool for social transformation.

If we chose to treat everyone - not just our family or friends - with love and kindness then the only possible outcome is less fighting, injustice and unfairness.

Closing thoughts 🧠

The book is part of Hooks' trilogy called “Love song to the nation” that challenges traditional definitions and expressions of love.

It’s a thought-provoking exploration of the definition and practice of love in our society as well as it’s transformative potential both in our personal lives and on a societal level.